Aggression and Violation in Tonga Leads to Tensions Between SPLA-IO and SSPDF

Tensions have arisen in Tonga as the Agwelek forces, under the command of General Johnson Olony, allegedly launched an attack on a base belonging to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO).

The incident has not only been deemed as an act of aggression but also a violation of the peace agreement by the SPLA-IO’s peace partner, the Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

The SPLA-IO, through their spokesperson Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel, has strongly condemned the attack and urged the SSPDF to take immediate action to restrain the Agwelek forces from further assaults on their bases.

The SPLA-IO emphasizes the need for the SSPDF to respect the agreement, as such violations undermine the delicate peace in the region.

Furthermore, the SPLA-IO has called on the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack.

The SPLA-IO hopes that the investigation will uncover those responsible for the violation and hold them accountable.

The skirmish raises concerns about the stability of the fragile peace agreement between the SPLA-IO and the SSPDF. The integration process of the Agwelek forces into the SSPDF, which was meant to enhance cohesion and unity, has been marred by this significant breach.

For now, the future of the peace agreement hangs in the balance as both sides grapple with the consequences of this shocking act of aggression. It remains to be seen how the SSPDF will respond to the SPLA-IO’s calls for restraint and the investigation demanded by the SPLA-IO.

The international community, including regional peacekeeping organizations, will closely monitor developments in Tonga as they seek to support the peace process and ensure that such violations do not jeopardize the progress made thus far.

As the situation unfolds, Tonga remains on tenterhooks, anxiously awaiting a resolution that upholds the principles of the peace agreement and restores stability to the region.