Deputy SPLM-IO chairman Henry Odwar joins Gatwech

JUBA — The Deputy Chairman and Commander in Chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), Henry Odwar, has announced his defection, along with senior SPLM-IO officials, to join the SPLA-IO factional group of Kitgwang led by General Simon Gatwech Dual, according to a statement extended to Sudans Post.

Odwar who has a been a close ally of the to First Vice President and SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny had earlier in the day resigned as the minister of mining in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU).

Senior SPLM-IO officials in Juba allied to First Vice President Machar had downplayed his resignation and attributed it to a ‘terminal Illness’ and that he resigned because he could not discharge his duties as a minister in the unity government and said he was still the SPLM-IO deputy chairman and commander in chief.

In a statement also signed by the SPLM-IO Chairperson of National Committee for Education, Science and Technology and member of the SPLM-IO Political Bureau, Goi Jooyul, Odwar accused Machar of undermining military structure, apparently referring to a decision in June by Machar to declare null and void suspension of the SPLA-IO military intelligence chief Dhiling Keah Chuol.

The group said “dismayed by the Dr. Machar’s overt avoidance of the SPLA – (IO) Military Command’s structure, and illegitimately dismissing and reassigning Senior Officers singlehandedly.”

“We, the SPLM in Opposition (SPLM – 10) members and leaders in and outside the country convened an urgent virtual meeting under the auspices of the Deputy Chairman and Deputy Commander in Chief of the SPLM/A – (IO), Hon. Henry Odwar, and ceased the opportunity to respond to the Kit-Gwang Declaration and the outcome of the Political Bureau meeting that took place in Juba on August 4, 2021,” they said in the statement.

They declared that they “recognize the ever-courageous stand and position of the Generals led by the Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual on the full implementation of the Security Arrangements as the core to achieving a sustainable peace and security in South Sudan.”

They also applauded the infamous “Kit Gwang Declaration’s call for the full and unconditional implementation of the security arrangements as stipulated in the R-ARCSS to be overseen by the United Nations or governments outside the region.”

They also said they are “alarmed and dismayed by the silence exhibited by Dr. Machar during the indefinite detention and Restriction of Movement by the IGAD Heads of State which is construed as a weakness of SPLM/A – (IO), and interpreted as a surrender.”

The further said that they “Regret and decry the failure to stand up to SPLM/A–IG’s refusal to fund the implementation of the R- ARCSS stipulated provisions,” and are “discouraged and disappointed using the so-called SPLM/A – (IO) Pyramid Hotel Leadership meetings as a tactic to circumvent the official policy of taking decision as enshrined in the SPLM/A – (IO) documents.”

They also “noted with grave concern Dr. Riek Machar’s dismissal of the Chief of General Staff for his refusal to take up an Advisory Position to President Salva Kiir Mayardit,” and are “troubled and disturbed by Dr. Riek Machar’s weak and compromised leadership quality that failed former Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – Nasir Faction, South Sudan Independent Movement (SSIM), and now threatening the SPLM/A – (IO).”

“We, the undersigned members of the SPLM – (IO), in our various capacities in the PB, NLC, Committees, Country Representatives, and SPLM – (IO) passionate cadres endorse the Kit-Gwang Declaration and give our blessings to the Interim leadership of Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual and his team to steer the Movement and chart a more democratic and people’s centered path,” they said.

“Notwithstanding all the above, we passionately appeal to all South Sudanese and, not least, the Opposition Groups, to stand united in demanding for a just and lasting peace that will bring prosperity for all.”