Western Equatoria condemns attacks on government forces, urges armed groups to embrace peace

The government of Western Equatoria State has strongly condemned recent attacks on government forces in several parts of the state, which it blames on forces loyal to former governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba.

According to a statement issued by the office of Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, opposition forces recently attacked government troops in Bandala in Nagero County and Lakamadi in Mundri East County.

The statement accused forces loyal to former governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba of being behind the attacks.

Futuyo shas not publicly claimed responsibility for or denied involvement in the attacks.

The incidents come despite an amnesty announced by Governor Rimbasa during a recent public rally in Yambio.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Wednesday, State Minister of Information Noah Issa Phillip said government soldiers had come under six separate ambushes in Bandala.

Phillip said the government remained committed to peace despite the attacks and urged political actors to pursue leadership through democratic means rather than armed conflict.

“On their way coming back from Boo Bridge, after leaving Nagero, they were attacked by the forces of the SPLM-IO, commanded by the former governor of Western Equatoria State, Alfred Futuyo Karaba. It was six ambushes that were laid to the government convoy, but the government managed to repel all these,” Philip said.

He added that the repeated attacks were creating fear among residents.

Phillip called on armed groups to lay down their weapons and accept the government’s amnesty offer.

He also urged armed groups and political leaders to avoid actions that could undermine security and disrupt preparations for the anticipated December elections.

“We as a government, we are committed, and we are for peace, as we are also heading towards the election. We are calling on them to allow the people of Western Equatoria to have peace, so that they will be able to elect their leaders who will lead them in the near future,” he said.

The minister stressed that political competition should be conducted through peaceful and democratic processes rather than the use of guns.