Dr Riek Machar, leader of the SPLM-IO

The leader of the SPLM in Opposition, Dr Riek Machar is determined to implement the peace agreement, the Minister of Defense, Kuol Manyang Juk, has said.

The statement comes after a clash at Nhial Diu in the South of Bentiu on Tuesday. Both sides still claim control of the area.

No casualties have been reported.

Gen Kuol said at the parliament building in Juba today that the clash might have been caused by poor communication among the SPLM in Opposition forces.

“There is violation of the ceasefire from the SPLM/IO side, but we think that Dr. Riek Machar is serious in implementing the peace agreement,” he stressed.

“We are still optimistic that this peace agreement will be successful.”