The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) loyal to Gen. Malong have reportedly clashed in the War Adhiric area of Rumbek Central County in Lakes State.

In a statement seen by The City Review, Maj. Philip Deng Kuol Nguot, SSUF/A Deputy Military Spokesperson claimed that the national army has been waging a series of attacks on their positions.

“It was on the 9th of January 2022 when an incident happened at War-Adhiric area of Rumbek Central County, Lakes State,” the statement says in part.

Deng claimed that at least six soldiers belonging to the SSPDF died in the armed confrontation between the antagonistic forces while their combatant sustained ‘minor injury’.

“In the process of pursuing the assailants, we sustained minor injuries and the SSUF/A invincible forces loyal to Gen. Paul Malong Awan, managed to repulse back the attacking government forces with the heavy losses…as well as (6) six government soldiers died on spot, two wounded,” he said.

“We captured 9 AKA 47 rifles, 1 PKM machine gun and we remain in full control of the entire War-Adhiric area in Lakes State,” the statement added.

The spokesperson said the military confrontation between government and holdout group forces derail the progress of the Rome peace talks and urged regional and continental blocs to intervene.

“We condemn this large scale of anti-peace campaign staging by the regime on our forces in its strongest term possible. This is an engine of peace distraction and may rapidly derail the tabled Rome peace initiative,” he said.

“SSUF/A immediately calls upon the regional blocs, the AU, IGAD and the international community, particularly the community of Sant’Egidio to separately investigate these massive assaults on our forces by government troops and hold those responsible for these malicious attacks accountable,” Deng alleged.

“In conclusion, we remind the South Sudanese within the country or in the diaspora that SSUF/A is committed to the ongoing Rome initiative meant to find an amicable solution.”