Both the SPLA and the SPLM in Opposition say the gunfire among soldiers from the two sides in Gudelle suburb in Juba last evening was not intentional.

Soldiers from both sides exchanged gunfire around Lou junction in Juba, resulting in panic among residents.

In a statement, the SPLA spokesperson, brigadier Lul Ruai Koang said the incident was not planned by either side.

“So it is a crime that will be investigated by the JMCC, CTSAMM and the government so that they know what exactly happened,” Brig Ruai said.

“The SPLA would like to inform the people of South Sudan that there are….soldiers on the streets and roundabouts; their presence is for nothing but to maintain the security of Juba and improve it so that our people can go to work and school safe.”

For its part, the SPLM in Opposition forces also say the incident was provoked by some people who are against the peace agreement.

But it denies that its soldiers started the fighting.

“It is not a full plan by the government to fight IO or to kill or to do any harm against the IO, only individuals are doing this,” Colonel Willam Gatjath, spokesperson, told Eye Radio.

Meanwhile, a civil Society group has urged the parties to the peace agreement to establish the Joint Integrated Police.

The Executive Director of the South Sudan Network for Democracy and Elections, Rajav Muhandi, says the joint force would take over the security of the town.