South Sudan government describes Machar's forces as 'terrorists'

[Elisabeth Janaina]

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South Sudan government describes Machar's forces as 'terrorists'

JUBA (29 Mar.)

South Sudan’s presidency on Tuesday described the armed opposition group allied to former First Vice President Riek Machar as “terrorists”.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Ateny Wek Ateny, South Sudan’s presidential spokesman, accused SPLA-IO troops of targeting innocent civilians in the country, saying the government will not recognize them because they do have a clear political program.“We cannot recognize these groups because these are terrorist groups that are carrying out attack on innocent civilians. They cannot attack the army because they are unable to so,” he said.

Ateny, who is also the presidential press secretary, said the government reaffirmed its commitment to peace during the recent IGAD summit in Nairobi.He pointed out that the leaders welcomed the decision taken by President Kiir to hold a national dialogue in the country.The official revealed that the government plans to integrate Taban’s forces into the national army in May according to the signed peace agreement.