Khartoum: Clashes between south Sudan’s army and rebels have killed at least 16 people as south Sudan prepares to separate from the north.
The clashes broke out when forces of Lt. George Athor blew up two army trucks near the town of Fangak in Jonglei state.
At least four military members and 12 rebels were killed in the clashes.
“We are still waiting for full details of the casualties,” South Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) spokesman Philip Aguer said.
Aguer asked Athor “to look at this great moment in Sudan’s history” and make a “logical decision for peace.”
Athor took up arms last year, alleging fraud in state elections, but signed a ceasefire last month.
He blamed SPLA for the clashes and claimed he was open for talks.
“If the other side is willing, we can continue talks but if they are not willing, then I would say this is the end of the peace agreement between us and them,” Reuters quoted Athor as saying.
According to official results, around 99 percent of the southern Sudanese, as well as Athor’s forces voted for secession from north Sudan in a referendum held on January 9 to January 15.
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