{UAH} Do not fight rebels: South Sudan’s Kiir orders army

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BY AGENCIES ON MAY 25, 2017LOCAL NEWS

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has ordered the army desist from attacking rebel positions just days after the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire in the war-torn country.

Kiir told newly appointed senior army officials in Juba that it was time to prove to the world their commitment to peace and distinguish themselves from armed opposition whom he tagged as war mongers.

"I know they will be attacking your positions after learning declaration of the ceasefire. They will be provoking you but do not respond, don't move out of your positions. This is the message you need to deliver to the division commanders and the brigade commanders…this is the message from me and they should comply," he said.

Kiir declared a unilateral ceasefire Monday as he launched a national dialogue, a controversial bid to end a civil war that excludes his rival Riek Machar.

"Everybody is welcome to participate in the national dialogue except Riek Machar. Riek Machar will come and cause another war in Juba," he said.

It is not the first time Kiir has vowed the army will lay down arms in the three-year conflict. Speaking Monday, he told army commanders "you have the right to defend yourself".

Armed opposition spokesperson Lam Paul Gabriel told the media yesterday that the national dialogue lacks legitimacy and is a tool to win international acceptance of the Juba regime.

"This so called national dialogue is nothing but a pretense to show the blind regional bloc and the international community that the Juba regime means business while they continue to loot resources and kill innocent civilians," Lam said

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