By: Danielle L. Cowan (Gwozdz)
Senior Desk Operator, Africa
JUBA, South Sudan – Former South Sudan Vice President and leader of South Sudan rebels Riek Machar stated that he is “not completely in control” of his rebel forces. The rebels have recently been accused of atrocities during a brutal six-month conflict.
Machar further stated that he would “be lying” if he stated he was in control of the rebels. However, he also hoped that he will soon be in control of them because he hopes to train them, which is why they are disciplining them.
President Salva Kiir’s forces have been battling Machar’s rebel forces since December 15th. This fighting broke out in the capital of Juba.
The President is accused of starting the war by launching an eradication of his rivals. However, the President accuses Machar of attempting an overthrow.
Machar admits his forces have been patched together.
Machar told AFP that his rebels became an army when they were forced out of Juba. “It took us time to regroup them into a viable force under control and command.”
“We also have volunteer fighters; civilians who have their own guns who joined the war.”
In January, Machar and Kiir’s sides both agreed to a ceasefire. They also agreed to this earlier in the month. The truces, unfortunately, have not held.
This civil war has forced 1.3 million people to flee their homes and thousands have been killed.
The UN bases also are sheltering about 75,000 people in fear of ethnic violence.
Machar has stressed that he is “committed to peace” and that this was a “senseless war.” Peace talks are rescheduled to continue in Ethiopia this week.
This conflict began as a rivalry between Machar and Kiir. This conflict has divided the army and community along ethnic lines
Both sides have been accused of atrocities and revenge killings on civilians. The UN has called on both leaders to punish those responsible.
For more information, please visit:
Aljazeera – S Sudan’s Machar unable to control rebels – 1 June 2014
Africa News Desk – S Sudan’s Machar unable to control rebels – 1 June 2014
Business News – S Sudan’s Machar unable to control rebels – 1 June 2014
Got News Wire – S Sudan’s Machar unable to control rebels – 1 June 2014
