Calm returns to Mundri after attacks on army barrack

Calm has returned to Mundri East County, Western Equatoria State (WES), after three different attacks on the bases of the South Sudan People Defence Forces (SSPDF) by the suspected forces of the National Salvation Front.

Speaking to The City Review in a phone interview on Friday, the commissioner of Mundri East County Margret Fozia Emmanuel said despite the two days of attacks on the SSPDF barracks, things were back to normal.

Fozia revealed on separate interviews held on Sunday and Tuesday that the  SSPDF barracks in Lanyi, and Jambu had come under attack.

“I am here at the county headquarter [and] the general situation of Mundri East County is very okay and normal, as usual, people are doing their businesses,” she said.

Fozia added that it was unfortunate to witness such unwanted behaviours of peace spoilers adding that it was something communities in the area did not expect at this time.

The commissioner further urged the attackers to give peace a chance saying peaceful co-existence was the only way for the development in the country.

“People are in the mood of peace, and that is what everyone wants now, people want to see that their fellow South Sudanese enjoy peace. They want development and service delivery,” she stressed.

“I beg the attackers to stop attacking people on the roads and barracks.  If there are problems, please guns can never solve problems, come on the table and we discuss ways for the solutions,” Ms Fozia added.

According to her, it was some of the challenges hindering service delivery and development in the county.

Group accused

On Wednesday, the SSPDF Spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai accused NAS of attacking their position in Mundri East County.

He claimed the NAS commanders led by Gen. Kenyi Lobureng, the deputy commander Maj. Gen. Nyambi and Brig. Gen. Emmanuel launched and coordinated systematic attacks on the SSPDF locations in Mundri East County.

“These attacks were planned by senior commanders of NAS. We are wondering why NAS is launching deliberate attacks on our positions when we are still engaging them in Rome? There was an agreement on the ceasefire to be observed by both SSPDF and NAS,” said Maj. Gen. Lul told The City Review on Wednesday.

The accusation that The City Review could not verify immediately with the NAS because of lack of communication.