The SPLM in Opposition forces say they clashed on Tuesday with government troops in the former Western Bahr al-Ghazal and Upper Nile states.

The opposition forces say government troops first attacked their defensive positions around Wau in Western Bahr al-Ghazal and in Booth in Upper Nile.

But the SPLA has denied any such attacks, saying it did not clash with the SPLM Opposition forces.

Deputy military spokesperson, Dickson Gatluak, said their positions were attacked in both locations in the afternoon yesterday.

Maj Gatluak told Eye Radio that the clash is a violation of the peace agreement.

“This is a serious violation of peace agreement and we need the government to refrain from this act because we are now in time of peace,” he told Eye Radio.

“We need the language of peace; we need the people of South Sudan to reunite.”

The SPLA has denied violating the agreement.

The head of Media and Public Relations, Brig Malaak Ayuen, says the SPLM in Opposition has no forces in Western Bahr al-Ghazal.

He told Eye Radio that the SPLA has only been acting in defense from attacks by what he calls different militias in Upper Nile.

“Those in Western Bahr el-Ghazal are not part of IO; they are not covered by the agreement,” Brig Malaak argued.

The government says it has been clashing with three forces under Gen Johnson Olony, Tuol Gaga and Peter Gatdet.

“So we don’t know…whether they are part of IO or they are independent forces, because since we signed the agreement, they have been attacking our position,” he added.

The peace agreement requires that both sides respect the permanent ceasefire.