Anti-government militia have taken control of a strategic
town in South Sudan’s volatile Jonglei State.
The government backed Sudan People’s Liberation Army, or
SPLA, has confirmed that it is no longer in control of Boma, which lies close
to the Ethiopian border.The development comes after two days of heavy fighting
between the SPLA and rebel group South Sudan Democratic Army (SSDA) that is
commanded by leader David Yau Yau. The number of casualties on both sides has not been
independently verified following the battle in Boma.
The SPLA claims it was a strategic withdrawal and states
that it will attempt to take Boma back from SSDA forces. Last week, SSDA issued a statement warning civilians and NGO
workers to leave towns around Pibor and Kapoeta. Boma is near both towns.
SSDA leader David Yau Yau took up arms against the
government after losing a gubernatorial election, which he and others from his
Murle tribe believe was rigged. Boma is the second area to fall to the rebels this month,
after the group took control of Murua airstrip from the SPLA last week.The SPLA also says it tactically withdrew from the airstrip.
Humanitarian workers were evacuated from Boma last week and most civilians fled
into the bush during the fighting. Travel to Kapoeta and Pibor is not recommended at this time.