Defecting SPLA-IO commander airlifted to Juba

JUBA – South Sudan main armed opposition commander General Tito Biel Wich has reportedly been airlifted from Mankien, in Unity state’s Mayom County, to South Sudan’s capital Juba, officials with direct knowledge have said.

Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, Chuol Gatluak, Mayom County Commissioner, said General Biel has been airlifted to the capital Juba to meet with President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the future of his forces.

“Yes I can confirm that General Tito Biel Wich has departed Mankien this afternoon and travelled to Juba and the reason of his trip is that he will meet with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit about his forces,” Gatluak said.

The senior government official said the former opposition commander had raised issues regarding the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement; especially the security arrangement which he said will also be one of the points of discussion with President Kiir.

“When he defected he raised the issue about the opposition forces, their integration into the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and how to achieve this without taking much time for the parties to complete,” he said.

“So, this will be one of the main points of discussion he will have with President Salva Kiir Mayardit plus other issues that he and his soldiers are facing here in Unity state and how to address them,” he added.