Juba accuses rebels of breaking cease-fire

JUBA: South Sudan’s government accused rebel forces of breaking a cease-fire Saturday, less than 24 hours after it began and dashing hopes of a swift end to the brutal conflict.
If the attacks continue, government troops will defend themselves, said Information Minister Michel Makeur Lueth. The peace deal was signed Thursday night but did not go into effect for 24 hours, said Lueth.
“This morning I am informed that the rebel forces are still continuing attacking our forces,” Makuei said, speaking to reporters as he arrived back from the talks in Ethiopia that hammered out the crucial deal.
The minister would not say where the fighting was taking place on Saturday but fighting took place on Friday in Jonglei state. Government leaders had expressed fear that fighters in Jonglei known as the White Army would abide by the deal.
“These are rebels and they are undisciplined people and not a regular force and have no central command, and for that matter it is not strange that they immediately violated it,” he said.

The peace deal “was not a waste of time. We will try our level best to ensure our people that the cessation of hostilities is properly effected and monitored,” he added.