Maj. Gen. Chol Tells of Ethnic Killings, Mass Graves
While war in South Sudan is escalating amid international community fears of eruption of fierce civil war, Pro-Riek Machar forces said they would occupy the entire greater Upper Nile state. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. James Koang Chol said his forces were advancing on Garneif after their control of Bentiu. On the other hand, commander of the 4th infantry battalion who broke away from SPLA told Sudan Vision on telephone they were advancing on Millit after their control of Malakal to tighten control on greater Upper Nile.
For his part, the South Sudan government Minister of Information told the paper that government forces have recaptured Bor town, but declined to elaborate on rebels' capture of Malakal. "Situation there is not yet clear due to the on-going fighting in the town," he said.
Despite South Sudan government statement on closure of oil fields in the Unity state, commander Chol said their forces did not order stoppage of oil pumping, but oil workers withdrew for fear of being exposed to danger . "Stoppage of oil pumping is not in our interest," he argued.
Speaking to the paper, SPLM Prominent figure, Ajok Maguer, said conditions in Juba were completely stable, but returned to say fighting was still continuing in Malakal.
Commander Chol disclosed the existence of mass graves, most of the buried from Nuer, Shilluk and other tribes such as the Murle. He further admitted that the war was triggered by political and ethnic grudges combined due to the oppressive policy adopted by South Sudan government. "We cannot say the conflict is purely tribal, but it is a revolt against the political hegemony of one tribe," he affirmed.
Commander Chol said their forces withdrawal from Bor was tactical, killing and capturing in the process some SPLM troops, together with some Ugandan troops. He further added that their forces downed a plane before their withdrawal from the town.
Chol announced their readiness for dialogue according to the conditions declared by Dr. Riek Machar. He reaffirmed their contact with Machar and Lt. Gen. Peter Gadet.
He renewed their intention to establish strong relations with Sudan, denying allegations that they were against Salva Kiir lenient policy towards Sudan.
It is worth-mentioning that Chol was the commander of joint units in 2007, and commander of the joint units’ first division in 2009.
By Exclusive: By Saif Addeen Al-Bashir/ Al-Sammani Awadallah, 1 day 15 hours ago
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