Embattled SPLA-IO chief of staff claims Machar attempted to assassinate him 

JUBA – The embattled and controversial chief of general staff of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/SPLA) General Simon Gatwech Dual has claimed that opposition leader and FVP Dr. Riek Machar Teny had attempted to kill him.

The opposition commander made the remarks during an interview published by Radio Tamazuj on June 25, in which he reiterated his rejection for the position of presidential advisor he was appointed to days ago by President Kiir.

“He tried to sneak in forces and guns to create conflict between ourselves and to assassinate me because I have refused to go to Juba,” visibly furious General Chief of Staff of the SPLA-IO said from his hideout near the Sudanese border.

General Gatwech though could not provide evidence of the allegation made against Machar said he won’t return to Juba because it is “a tactical appointment between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar.”

In the interview, General Gatwech said the main armed opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar and a number of his officials are in the capital Juba because of positions and money, while after “the right to fully implement the peace agreement. Something we agreed on and that is what I am following now.”