International Law

Two S. Sudanese solders killed by UPDF laid to rest

October 30, 2020 The South Sudan

Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Kong briefs a group of solder during a military parade |Photo: Gettyimages

October 30, 2020 (Thessherald)–Two South Sudanese servicemen killed during a border-related dispute between South Sudan and neighboring Uganda have been laid to rest.

On Thursday, the SSPDF lost its two soldiers following a fierce firefight with a Ugandan Mechanized Unit over a disputed area in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State.

As the two countries learned of the incident, an arrangement was made to handover the bodies of the deceased soldiers to South Sudan.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Friday, the SSPDF spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang confirmed that they had received the bodies, “We have received the two bodies including our soldier who was captured with their guns in our border there. These bodies were buried yesterday in the evening in the same place.”

“Four other soldiers were killed in Kajokeji and some of our people died in a way we cannot understand. The best solution is that the border should be known by Uganda, they are the ones disputing this land,” he added.

The SSPDF military leadership appeals to the Ugandan government to cease violent confrontations and find an amicable way of resolving the border dispute.

“First, the issue needs a political solution using colonial references. The military solution cannot help because soldiers don’t talk, they fight,” he said. “Our politicians in South Sudan and politicians in Uganda should sit and reach a political solution and the technocrats will show us the border.”

Breaking: UPDF forces vow to dislodge SSPDF troops from the border

October 30, 2020 The South Sudan

A UPDF gunner ranges a scope on a Machine gun mounted on top of a building|Photo:File

October 30, 2020 (Thessherald)–The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has vowed to advance and dislodge SSPDF forces from adjacent areas bordering Uganda and South Sudan, according to a military source interviewed this morning by a local Radio station.

On Thursday, the UPDF forces were accused of an unusual incursion into South Sudan’s territory, causing fears among local residents in Eastern Equatoria.

“At 1: pm, a mechanized Unit of Ugandan People’s Defense Forces made a major incursion into our territory. UPDF armed with heavy artillery pieces and light military trucks mounted with 12.7mm machine guns launched cross border attack on own Defensive Border outpost at Pogee in Magwi County, Eastem Equatoria State. SSPDF Squad sized force heroically fought to protect territorial integrity of our beloved Country,” said Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Kong, SSPDF Military Spokesperson.

“However, that small force was outnumbered, outgunned and was temporarily forced to retreat. A hasty counterattack code named “Operation Restore Territorial Integrity of the Republic of South Sudan” was launched to flush out mechanized Units of UPDF. As things stand, SSPDF had regained full control of Poge, reinforced and strengthened own defensive postures along the borders with Uganda.”

Lul confirmed that the incident left two SSPDF soldiers dead and wounded several others on the battlefield.

“The brief clash resulted in own two dedicated servicemen getting killed in action while a third was captured. Reliable intelligence reports indicated UPDF had lost two servicemen as well. UPDF is currently in custody of remains of fallen comrades along with their personal assault rifles.”

“Bilpam had established contacts with UPDF leadership on unprovoked incursion and the later had in turn promised to handover remains of fallen soldiers along with their guns as well as the serviceman taken as PoW. Handingover ceremony is expected to take place in the next few days.”

“SSPDF reiterates commitment to maintenance of cordial relations with UPDF but was saddened by [the] chameleonic behaviors of that army from supposedly sisterly country.”

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Alain condemns attack on WFP convoy

October 7, 2020 The South Sudan

Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan condemns the attack on a WFP boat-convoy in Lakes and calls for an immediate end to repeated acts of violence

Mr. Alain Noudéhou, the Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan |Photo: File

Press Release

Oct 7, 2020 (Thessherald)–Mr. Alain Noudéhou, Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, has strongly condemned an unprovoked attack on a WFP boat-convoy on the River Nile in Lakes State, and called for an end to repeated acts of violence which are disrupting life-saving assistance to flood-affected people.

On 5 October, a WFP boat-convoy carrying food for vulnerable people was ambushed by armed actors close to Shambe town in Lakes. The convoy was transporting food from Bor to people affected by floods in Melut and Malakal, Upper Nile.

The impact of the gunfire resulted in one cargo vessel being sunk with its cargo of much needed humanitarian supplies.

During this attack, three of the cargo vessel staff suffered gunshot injuries and one person is missing and presumed killed.

“The violence against humanitarian workers must stop. I strongly condemn this attack on a humanitarian convoy that was transporting food to flood-affected people.

Perpetrators must be brought to justice. I call upon the Government and all parties to protect humanitarians and people supporting the efforts to provide assistance to the millions of people who are in need,” said Mr. Noudéhou.

Some 800,000 people have been affected by flooding in South Sudan since July. A total of 37 of counties out of 78 are affected with many areas still underwater and people are unable to tend to their lands and livestock. An estimated 368,000 have been displaced. Women and children are the most affected.

“I stand by WFP and all humanitarians working on the frontline to provide life-saving assistance. Humanitarians workers continue to work in difficult conditions to reach communities affected by the floods, but we need unimpeded access and be able to work in a safe environment.” Noudéhou concluded.