Information Minister, Ateny Wek Ateny warns opposition forces SPLA-IO and its allied militias to cease attacking the government, citing that such actions undermine the agreement and pose a serious threat to peace
By James Chatim
The Minister of Information, Ateny Wek Ateny, said that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has halted the South Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA-IO) advancement in Jonglei State.
Speaking to the media yesterday in Juba, Ateny called on the SPLA-IO and its allied militias to cease attacking the government, citing that such actions undermine the agreement and pose a serious threat to peace and jeopardize the ongoing transitional process.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“I have invited you here today to address the events happening in Northern Jonglei, where government forces have stopped rebel offensives as they attempted to advance and cause havoc to the civil population in the Greater Jonglei region,” he said.
“We commend our SSPDF army for their swift response to their national duty.”
However, he pledged government’s full commitment to the faithful implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), describing it as the cornerstone for sustainable peace, security, and stability.
“In this regard, the Government calls upon the SPLM/A in Opposition to immediately cease hostilities and strictly adhere to both the letter and spirit of the R-ARCSS. Any actions that undermine the Agreement pose a serious threat to peace and jeopardize the ongoing transitional process,” Minister Ateny stated.
He urged the signatory parties to the agreement to avoid violence and prioritize national unity.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan remains firmly committed to peace, dialogue, and the protection of all citizens. It urges all parties to exercise restraint, act responsibly, and prioritize national unity and stability in the supreme interest of the people of South Sudan,” he stated.
The SSPDF on Sunday ordered all civilians and personnel from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and other organizations to evacuate three counties in Jonglei ahead of its operation against opposition forces.
A spokesman for the U.N. Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres said the mission had shared concerns that the fighting could put hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk.
“The mission also warns that escalating hate speech is fuelling ethnic tensions and risks drawing civilian communities into the conflict,” the spokesman said.
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“In this regard, the Government calls upon the SPLM/A in Opposition to immediately cease hostilities and strictly adhere to both the letter and spirit of the R-ARCSS,” said Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny.