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The SPLM/A, for its part, described the move as "unfortunate". Its spokesman Samson Kwaje told IRIN he could not visualise how the SSLM would work in the "very fluid" Upper Nile situation. "This is a traumatised area," he said. "Government forces, SPLM/A troops, Riak Machar, Paulino Matip, Peter Gadet, Tito Obial are all operating in this area." "Instead
of uniting the tribes as they are saying they would like to, they may end up fighting each other and creating more misery," he warned. "What is the use of adding fuel to the fire?"
He said his movement was "not very enthusiastic" about the SSLM "because it may end up diluting our efforts in the struggle". The fragmentation of the groups could also give the government "an easier time", he added.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions