SPLA FORCES AND THEIR ALLIES CAPTURED LONGICHUK COUNTY OF UPPER NILE STATE

Public Statement

May, 3, 2014

This is to inform the public and the media that the SPLA forces, supported by the White Army of Gajaak clan of Jikany, captured Mathiang on Friday evening. Mathiang town is the seat of Longichuk County government. This victory came as a result of the invitation of the SPLA forces by the chiefs of Gajaak two days ago.

Operation Kuach Kaang (in honor of the decorated SPLM/A commander who died in 1990s) is destined for Pagak town, the seat of Maiwut county. The SPLA forces, under the command of Brig. Gen. Nhial Batoang, overran Mangok town today without much resistance. The rebels of Riek Machar melted to the nearby villages. The White Army loyal to the government is pursuing them to dislodge them out of villages.

With the cooperation of Jikany White Army, it is now clear that the government will liberate the eastern Upper Nile within one week. It is my estimate that all four counties of Jikany will be liberated before June, 1st so that schools will be reopened and the government services restored.

The South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted Ethiopian government to dismiss Riek Machar who escaped to Burabiey Kebele on Ethiopian side of the border on Friday. South Sudan Special Commandos are now on their way to look for him in his hiding. The Special forces are tasked to capture him and bring him to justice for staging a coup and for leading a destructive rebellion.

For contact:

Gen. Gordon Buay