SPLA denies reported role of Great Lakes commanders

The SPLM on Tuesday dismissed as “propaganda” a report in ‘The Indian Ocean Newsletter’ that claimed a planned SPLA offensive against the government had been “fine-tuned” by several Rwandan, Burundian and Ugandan officers. The newsletter, dated 12 June, also said some SPLA troops were under the supervision of Rwandan, Burundian and Ugandan commanders. SPLM spokesman Samson Kwaje told IRIN: “The war in Sudan is fought purely by Sudanese people and in the wider context under the umbrella of the National Democratic Alliance, but there are no foreigners,” he said. Meanwhile, the pro-government Alwan newspaper reported on Monday that government troops had recaptured the “strategic” town of Akobo on Sunday after two days of fighting.