The government of Lakes state says it has temporarily moved its headquarters to Yirol West County to monitor reported movement of forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar along the boundaries with Unity state.

Last week, state officials claimed Dr. Machar’s forces attacked and looted properties belonging to civilians in the area of Awerial and Yirol West Counties despite the signing of the cessation of hostilities agreement.

The Minister of Information of Lakes state, Dut Makoi, said that the caretaker governor, Matur Chut, moved his administration to Yirol to ensure civilians are not targeted in areas bordering Unity state.

“Nine days ago the governor heard of the movement of some renegades who are trying to cross into Unity state so he decided to move his office temporarily to Yirol West County. The reason is to come and monitor the situation of the forces loyal to renegade Riek Machar who are trying to cross into Lakes from Unity. This, of course, is a big force that must be monitored properly because they are moving along areas populated by civilians. It has to be handled with great care and that is why he is here. There is a ceasefire in place and we would not like to see our people violating it. That is why the state governor is here to monitor the situation promptly,” he told Eye Radio.

Mr. Makoi said clashes were reported between government forces and forces loyal to Dr. Machar in Wat area on Wednesday.

He said that Dr. Machar’s forces are allowed free passage into Unity state as long as they do not violate the cessation of hostilities agreement.

The document, signed by the government and the SPLM/SPLA–in opposition, says all troops are to remain in their current locations and to halt any movement that will hamper the agreement.