Rights body condemns recent clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO

Forces of the SPLM/A-IO taking rest after being dislodged from Moroto Training Center |Photo: File

CPA |Press statement

Dec 2^nd , 2020 (Thessherald)- The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) strongly condemns the reported clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) against the forces of Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) around areas of Kerwa, Andejo, Kendiri, Mangalatore, Morota junction, and Morota unified training centre.

Sources indicated that, the clash took on the November 26th, 2020 Morota -Central Equatoria. This is a violation of the cessation of hostilities signed by the government of South Sudan and SPLA-IO on 21st December, 2017. CPA calls on CTSAMVM and JUB to investigate thoroughly and hold whoever is responsible accountable in order for South Sudan to have everlasting peace.

The Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) condemns and denounces the use of military- oriented solutions and urges the conflicting parties to promote peace through negotiated solutions rather than guns. It is therefore incumbent upon the conflicting parties to uphold the highest moral standards in regards to the respect and promotion of human rights and rule of law. These clashes will only worsen the already dire situation of the civilians in South Sudan.

The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) would therefore like the conflicting parties to show and exercise maximum restraint and cease hostilities. Let the focus be on fighting the global pandemic in the item of COVID-19 that has caused thousands of lives and infected millions globally.

On an equal footing, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) would like to encourage the IGAD, AU and International Community and peace monitors not take their eyes off these violations. These clashes must be investigated thoroughly and hold whoever is responsible accountable.