The South Sudanese rebel group SPLM-IO has denied planning to attack Bentiu in Unity State but accused South Sudan’s army under the command of President Salva Kiir of raping citizens and looting in the Bentiu area.

SPLA-IO military spokesman Lul Ruai told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that government forces are committing crimes in areas under their control. He said that they rape women and rob civilians’ property.

Lul denied recent claims by the government that they were intending to attack Bentiu, saying they were ordered by their leader Riek Machar to maintain their defensive position around Bentiu and not to attack government forces.

On 9 September, the Unity state government said the SPLA-IO rebels were preparing to launch a new attack on government forces in Bentiu town.

State security advisor John Malok told Radio Tamazuj that rebels loyal to former vice president Riek Machar have come closer to the town.

File photo