South Sudan army blames opposition forces for ceasefire brea

JUBA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudanese army on Wednesday accused opposition forces of attacking military positions in Jonglei and Central Equatoria states in violation of the ceasefire agreement, threatening the country's fragile peace process.

The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) blamed the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition and its affiliates for attacks in Central Equatoria's Morobo County and the Waat and Motot areas of Jonglei State.

"These acts represent serious violations of the ceasefire and undermine ongoing peace efforts," Lul Ruai Koang, SSPDF spokesperson, told reporters in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

The army reaffirmed its commitment to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement and the ongoing unification of forces.

Despite the reported attacks, Koang said the army had instructed its forces to remain in defensive positions and respond only when attacked.

"However, the SSPDF reserves the right to self-defense in accordance with international law and national regulations," he added.

The army urged all signatories to the peace agreement to recommit to dialogue and respect the ceasefire to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

South Sudan has experienced intermittent clashes despite the signing of the 2018 peace agreement between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and opposition groups allied with First Vice President Riek Machar.

Delays in implementing key security arrangements, including the unification of forces, continue to pose challenges to the peace process.