Dr Riek Machar, Juba, 2013

The SPLM-SPLA in opposition has denied media reports that the former Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has formed a new resistance movement.

A press release signed by the deputy spokesperson of its delegation to the negotiations in Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Yohanis Musa Pouk, says Dr. Machar has not formed any military or political faction.

According to the document, they remain SPLM and SPLA in the opposition.

Mr. Pouk urged the African Union and the international community to put pressure on the Government of South Sudan to respect and implement the cessation of hostilities agreement and release the remaining four detainees.

He said the second round of talks might fail due to what he calls continued bombing on civilians allegedly by the government supported by Ugandan forces.

Mr. Pouk alleged that Ugandan forces continue to bomb areas where civilians live in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile States.

He urged the IGAD member-states to take into consideration what he described as the involvement of Uganda into the affairs of South Sudan, which he said might lead to the collapse of the next round of talks.

However, the Minister of Defense, Kuol Manyang Juk, denied the allegation, saying that the forces loyal to Dr. Machar are the ones who continue to violate the cessation of hostilities agreement.

He spoke to and said the Machar forces have attacked their bases in Upper Nile State:

“It’s not true, we never attacked anybody,” Mr Kuol told Eye Radio this morning. “Instead they are the ones that are attacking our positions.”

He said the forces loyal to Dr Machar have attacked Padaw in Malakal, Padak on the West Bank, south-west of Malakal and in Kaka.

The second round of peace talks between the government and the SPLM-SPLA in opposition kicks off this evening in Addis Ababa under the IGAD mediation.