Arop
By Emmanuel .M.Garjiek
An advance delegation of the SPLA-IO Kit-Gwang faction, commanded by Simon Gatwech Dual, arrived in Juba on Wednesday after signing a peace accord with the South Sudanese government in Sudan.
In an unexpected move, Gen. Simon Gatwech signed the deal on Sunday. The Sudanese military administration played an important role in mediating negotiations between South Sudan’s warring groups.
Upon arrival, Gatluak Kuenywar, chairman of the SPLA-IO Kit-Gwang delegation, claimed that the group had gone to Juba in reaction to the February 2 peace deal and at the invitation of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Kuenywar noted that the faction’s commander has decided to participate in conversation with the government and thanked the National Security Service (NSS) for its involvement in aiding the peace process that resulted in the agreement.
“My chairman has sent a message to the people of South Sudan expressing his commitment to the conditions of this peace accord. This is why he brought us here—to help with the implementation of the agreed-upon terms,” Kuenywar explained. “Our participation here today demonstrates our commitment to the peace deal. We will collaborate with the National Security Service to begin executing the agreement, which will continue until our Chairman arrives and takes up his post.”
The group’s spokesperson, Musa Gatluak, also thanked Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, for his crucial role in mediating the peace agreement.
“I express my gratitude to Chairman al-Burhan for his candor throughout the negotiations, which came to an end on February 2,” Gatluak stated. “We are here to deliver a message of peace to the people of South Sudan, who have suffered through years of conflict, under the leadership of Simon Gatwech.”
Gatluak went on to transmit General Simon Gatwech’s message, saying, “The moment has arrived for us to unify and bring peace to our land. The people, exhausted by years of fighting, deserve to return to their homes and live in peace. Our presence here demonstrates our dedication to the negotiated agreement. We are here as an advance delegation to begin implementing this accord.”
David John Kumuri, spokesperson for the National Security Service, also praised General Akec Tong Aleu, Director General of the Internal Security Bureau, who oversaw the discussions that resulted in the peace deal.
Kumuri stated that as part of the agreement, General Simon Gatwech and his soldiers will be absorbed into South Sudan’s national army. “This is a crucial step, and arrangements for the final arrival of General Simon Gatwech Dual will be made soon,” he informed us. “He will be received in Juba to conclude the military integration into the South Sudan People’s Defense Force.”
Kumuri also informed the advance team that they would be secure in Juba, adding, “The National Security Service remains committed to protecting South Sudan’s territorial integrity and national interests, while fostering peace, security, and harmony.” I want to reassure everyone that the security situation in Juba is normal, and you are secure here.”
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