"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing" By Konstantin Josef Jireček, a Czech historian, diplomat and slavist.
SPLA confirmed attack on Nassir: A total of 18 soldiers (SPLA and SPLA – IO) are killed and dozen(s) others wounded……..Philip Thon Aleu
March 8, 2016 (SSB) —- The forces of Riek Machar Puot, under the command of Duer Tut Duir, attacked our Constitutional forces in Nasir town at 10 am Tuesday morning. The attack came as a surprise to the Government forces in Nasir who thought that Riek Machar was already appointed as the First Vice President.
The security forces of South Sudan intercepted a call from Riek Machar on Monday ordering Duer Tut Duir to attack Nasir town. A force of 350 rebels attacked the town this morning but were very badly defeated. The SPLA forces, after repulsing the anti-peace elements, refused to exercise the right of hot pursuit to observe the Ceasefire ordered by President Kiir last year.
Our forces killed five rebels and wounded more than twenty. Only one constitutional soldier was wounded when the tribal fascists attacked the town in violation of the ceasefire agreement.
We are appealing to the international community to condemn Riek Machar for violating the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. It is now clear beyond a reasonable doubt that Riek Machar Puot does not want to implement the peace. The attack he launched today in Nasir is an indication that he is not interested to go to Juba as demanded by the international community.
We call upon the United States and the UN to declare Riek Machar as a new Joseph Kony who is not a peace partner in South Sudan and should therefore be sanctioned as soon as possible.
Ambassador Gordon Buay Malek. Washington DC, USA
SPLM-IO Split Again,
For Immediate Release
March, 10, 2016
Two Generals of SPLM-IO who attacked Nasir on Tuesday told their supporters that they are not any longer part of Riek Machar. Gen. Reath Gai Tuach and Gen. James Duoth Lam Juk informed chiefs in areas under their control that they rejected the leadership of Riek Machar.
The two Generals have a force of 1200 that included the White Army loyal to them. They already ordered their forces to besiege Nasir town and launch more attacks hoping that they would capture it.
Both rebel Generals hail from Gajiok sub-clan of Jikany and are loyal to Duer Tut, who is the SPLM-IO Governor of Sobat state. Mr. Duer Tut is upset with Riek Machar’s plan to replace him with somebody from Gajaak sub-clan as a rebel Governor. He ordered the two Generals to breakaway and attack Nasir town so that the peace collapses.
On August, 10, 2015, Gen. Peter Gatdet, Gen. Gathoth Gatkuoth and seven other generals split from Riek Machar and called for his dismissal. The second split of Gen. Duoth Lam and Gen. Reath Gai is a proof that Mr. Riek Machar has no control over the rebel forces.
What is happening to the SPLM-IO is a repeat of 1990s when Riek Machar’s faction of the SPLM broke up into splinter tribal and sectional factions. Those who are aware of what happened in 1990s are not surprised about the speedy breakup of the SPLM-IO.
PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.
