The national army is not responsible for internal conflicts like intertribal clashes but to protect the country’s borders against external forces.
SPLA spokesperson Colonel Phillip Aguer told SCR News over the phone that South Sudan armed forces are mandated by the Constitution to protect the nation from external aggressions.He said the police services are in charge of internal security.
He added that the army can only intervene in internal security matters at the explicit request of the government when the police are overpowered.
Asked if the SPLA failed to protect the people of Uror County in Jonglei state, Mr. Aguer said SPLA has never failed to protect the civilians.
Over 600 people were killed last week in intertribal clashes that were prepared well in advance over one month ago but that the security forces failed to prevent.