South Sudan’s armed opposition (SPLA-IO) has announced that it embarked on a peace mission to show commitment to the implementation of the transitional security arrangements, despite recent attacks.

The SPLA-IO spokesperson, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel said its Acting Chief of General Staffs, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam began his peace dissemination missions in Upper Nile State by first visiting Mandeng, Lankien on February 11, 2024 and then Fangak on February 12, 2024.

Lam said Gen. Duop was accompanied by Lt. Gen. Koang Gatkuoth, Lt. Gen. Wesley Welebe Samson, Lt. Gen. Ashab Khamis, Maj. Gen. Dhelling Keah, Maj. Gen. Ayuen Dot representing Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC) and other SPLA-IO officers.

“This mission is meant to prepare the SPLA-IO forces to be moved to cantonment for the commencement of Phase II of the Security Arrangements. However, while the delegates were on ground, clashes erupted between the SSPDF and Civilians in Nasir which then extended to the SPLA-IO base in the area on 11/02/2024,” partly reads the statement.

Lam said an attack occurred on the SPLA-IO post near Wunaliet, in Central Equatoria on February 12 adding “These violations greatly overshadowed the peace mission”.

He, however, said the SPLA-IO High Command continued with its mission to call upon its forces to get ready for phase II. despite the intentional violation played.

“This shows commitment to the implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements,” Lam stressed.

The SPLA-IO appreciated the Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, Tut Gatluak Manime and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for providing facilitation and flights to enable its delegates achieve the mission’s objectives.