Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, the minister of Information, during an Interview with Eye Radio in his Office in Juba on Wednesday January 18, 2023 - Credit: Moses Awan/Eye Radio

The government spokesperson has confirmed that the White Army attacked the army garrison in Nasir on Tuesday, forcing SSPDF soldiers to withdraw from the barracks.

In a press conference this afternoon, Michael Makuei stated that the general commanding the forces in Nasir was left with only a few soldiers, who took refuge inside a tank.

He further revealed that the attack was orchestrated by the SPLM-IO, as the attackers were chanting “Viva,” a slogan linked to the SPLM-IO, during the assault.

“The white army decided to attack Nasir garrison. They attacked it yesterday morning at 2 and by morning they already captured it and there was only left a commander plus some of his forces that were in the tanks,” he said.

“These forces which the SPLA IO denied in Nasir now have proven to us that they are not only the white army but they are SPLM/A IO. We are as a government are asking the IO to abide by the provisions of the agreement.”

Makuei called on the SPLM-IO to respect and uphold the provisions of the peace agreement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and adherence to the terms.

He reassured the public that the government remains in full control of the situation and urged citizens not to be swayed by negative propaganda circulating on social media.

“If the IO believe that they are part and partial of the current government then there is no reason of fighting the forces of the very government in which you are in. So my message to the public through you is this; that the government is still in full control of the situation and we are in the process of addressing the situation in Nasir, in which we are in.”

He also warned social media users against engaging in hate speech.

Makuei reiterated that the RTGoNU is calling on the SPLM-IO to control and restrain its forces while honoring the resolutions of the presidency meeting.

He concluded by reaffirming that President Kiir remains committed to the full implementation of the peace agreement.

When contacted, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, the spokesperson for SPLA-IO, denied the accusations, stating that the fighting was between the SSPDF and the White Army, not the SPLA-IO.

“One thing I can be very sincere with you is that Nasir County Headquarters is under the control of the SSPDF, not the SPLA-IO. We have forces around Nasir County; we are based around Nasir County, but inside Nasir County is the force of the SSPDF,” Col Lam stated.

“Now, the I.O. did not engage the SSPDF in battle in Nasir County. The fight between the SSPDF was with the armed civilians. That is the White Army,” he said.

“That has got nothing to do with the SPLA-IO. We don’t have a relationship with the White Army. We know that the White Army is an armed militia, armed youth that protects their land, protects their territory, and protects their civilians.”