The denial follows a statement issued Friday by SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, alleging that SPLA-IO fighters had seized vessels in Fangak (Jonglei) and Leer (Unity) counties, including boats allegedly belonging to the United Nations and private business operators.
SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel responded swiftly, calling the allegations “baseless” and rejected any suggestion of hijacking or ransom demands.
“The SPLA-IO didn’t hijack boats or demand money. The boats are in Adok port for reasons best known to the businessmen,” Col. Lam said in a statement dated May 3.
Despite the SPLA-IO’s denial, the SSPDF warned of military retaliation if the vessels were not released. Just hours later, the SPLA-IO reported that the SSPDF conducted an airstrike on the SPLA-IO-held town of Old Fangak in the early hours of Saturday.
“At about 5:00 AM, the SSPDF air-raided Old Fangak, killing four civilians and injuring 25 others, including three Sudanese traders. A health centre run by MSF was also destroyed,” Lam stated.
The SPLA-IO described the bombing as a disproportionate use of force and a violation of international humanitarian law, given the civilian casualties and destruction of medical infrastructure.
Separately, Col. Lam accused the SSPDF of forcibly conscripting youths, including minors, in Sindiru village along the Juba-Lobonok road, calling it an “act of crime that should be investigated immediately.”
He also alleged that on April 30, the SSPDF launched coordinated attacks from Pagak and Maiwut on SPLA-IO military positions in Wangkurbii and Wechtutbuor, but claimed the attacks were repelled by SPLA-IO forces.
The rising hostilities threaten to derail already fragile peace efforts in South Sudan, as tensions between rival factions continue to escalate amid mounting international pressure to uphold the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.
