S. Sudan rebels deny defection of troops in Magwi county

[Elisabeth Janaina]

S. Sudan rebels deny defection of troops in Magwi county

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June 23, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan armed opposition faction loyal to
former First-Vice President, Riek Machar dismissed as “false” reports
that many of their troops fled to the capital, Juba.

JPEG - 17.7 kb
South Sudan’s former FVP Riek Machar, speaking to visitors at his
residence in Khartoum, on 1 September 2016 (courtesy photo of SPLM-IO)

In a statement, rebel’s deputy spokesperson, Colonel Lam Paul said he
was not aware if their soldiers followed Brig. General David Okot to
Juba.

Okot was the armed opposition’s former brigade commander in Magwi county.

“He [Okot] was called to report to the division headquarter, but he
refused and went camping in Uganda. Otim David his clansman decided to
convince him to go to Juba because of his security in the camp”, Lam
told Sudan Tribune.

He admitted that Okot left the camp, but was not accompanied by a
single soldier.
“What we know he didn’t have forces around him when he left. All his
forces had moved to the Anyanya division. He went with two soldiers
and the others are his relatives from Agoro clan”, Lam added.

The armed opposition faction allied to First Vice-President Taban Deng
Gai claimed Okot defected with 2000 soldiers, claims Sudan Tribune
could not independently verify. Okot and four othervdeclared their
allegiance to the SPLM Juba faction in Kampala, Uganda last week.

Unconfirmed reports say Okot was dismissed by rebel leader, Riek
Machar over allegations that he targeted civilians at a base in and
around Nimule area.

The armed opposition leader claimed the demotion and dismissal of Okot
will bring positive change to soldiers who have been misbehaving
around Magwi county.

(ST)