Gatwech general deported by Sudan hospitalized in Juba, urges reconciliation

JUBA – A prominent South Sudanese opposition commander, Maj. Gen. Gatkuoth Biel Nyang, has called for holdout groups to respond to President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s general amnesty after being deported from Sudan over alleged ties with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Nyang, who was the SPLA-IO envoy to Khartoum, was arrested in Kosti, Sudan, on December 10, 2023, and deported to South Sudan’s Upper Nile State on December 14. He was then airlifted to Juba on December 19, along with other opposition figures.

Hospitalized last week in Juba, Nyang told Sudans Post in his hospital bed in Gudele that he was welcomed by South Sudanese authorities and that the issues surrounding his deportation were being investigated by the SSPDF military intelligence.

“I was deported from Sudan on December 14, 2023,” he said. “My first stop in South Sudan was Joda in Renk County, Upper Nile State. On December 19, 2023, I was brought to Juba and received a very warm welcome from the intelligence.”

Nyang urged reconciliation in South Sudan and appealed to holdout opposition groups, including the SPLA-IO Kitgwang led by Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, to accept the presidential amnesty. He emphasized the need for everyone’s participation in building a peaceful nation.

“The fact that I was not harmed and received the best treatment is proof that what is being said about the South Sudanese government is false,” he said. “I urge my comrades who are still fighting to join the government.”

He further argued that the reasons for continued rebellion were unclear, and that the country was on the right track towards peace under President Kiir’s leadership.

“The country is good, and the president has goodwill for peace in the country,” he added. “Everyone, including the opposition, should come together and build the country we all want.”

Nyang also drew parallels between the conflict in Sudan and the potential for renewed unrest in South Sudan if unnecessary fighting persists.

“What is happening in Sudan is a result of disagreements without any concrete reasons,” he said. “People need to understand each other to build a united and peaceful country. If that doesn’t happen in our country, I fear that the Sudanese scenario will repeat itself, and everyone, including the opposition, will be responsible.”

Nyang expressed confidence in his imminent release, attributing his detention to routine investigative procedures following his deportation. He also demanded clear explanations for his sudden deportation and denies any links with the RSF.

“I will be released soon,” he said. “Whenever someone is deported, the authorities must first check on you and investigate to know you further. That is what is happening, and very soon, I will be released. These are just normal and legal measures any government takes.”

Finally, Nyang commended President Kiir’s security advisor, Tut Gatluak, for his significant contributions to the peace process in South Sudan.

“Tut has suffered more than anyone else in the government, besides President Salva Kiir Mayardit, to bring peace to South Sudan,” he said. “So, I call on the president to honor him so that people value his actions further.”