South Sudan’s opposition forces accused government troops of launching an attack on one of their military bases near the capital Juba on Tuesday, further jeopardizing a fragile power-sharing agreement.
The 2018 deal had divided Central Equatoria state, including Juba, between government and opposition control, ending a five-year civil war that caused an estimated 400,000 deaths.
The agreement formed a unity government between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar.
However, recent actions by Kiir to sideline Machar, who was placed under house arrest last month, have threatened the deal.
Opposition spokesman Lam Paul Gabriel stated on Facebook that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) attacked the Panyume cantonment site from multiple directions.
He claimed the attack was repelled with heavy casualties for the government forces and was followed by an aerial assault that destroyed civilian property.
Gabriel urged civilians in four counties to evacuate to avoid the escalating conflict.
The South Sudanese army has not yet commented on the allegations.
In response to the reported attacks, the opposition forces commander directed his troops to be vigilant and prepare to defend themselves and civilians in their controlled areas.