Gatwech names foreign relations chief, spokesman for SPLM-IO Kitgwang

JUBA – Controversial South Sudan opposition commander and leader of the breakaway SPLM/SPLA-IO Kitgwang faction General Simon Gatwech Dual has effected new changes in the group’s leadership structure, naming a foreign relations secretary and a spokesman.

In a decree extended to Sudans Post by General Gatwech’s office, the opposition commander appointed Jordan Manpign Long Makeam Aguer Agorong as the SPLM-IO Kitgwang faction’s secretary for foreign relations effective November 15.

“Reference to the Resolutions of SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang three days’ leadership Consultative Conference dated 18 July 2022, and based on the Structural Document of the SPLM/A-IO, 1, Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, the Interim Chairman and Commander in Chief of SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang do hereby appoint. Hon. Jordan Manpign Long as SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang Secretary for foreign affair, effective from 15^th November, 2022,” Gatwech said.

In another decree also extended to Sudans Post, the prominent opposition military commander appointed Makeam Aguer Agorong as the secretary for information and spokesman of the opposition faction, also effective 15 November.

“Reference to the resolutions of SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang three days’ leadership Consultative Conference dated 18 July 2022, and based on the Structural Document of the SPLM/A-IO, I, Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, the Interim Chairman and Commander-In Chief of SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang do hereby appoint Hon. Makeam Aguer Agorong as SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang Secretary for information and mobilization, effective from 15^th November, 2022,” the decree reads.

Gatwech is previously the chief of staff of the main armed opposition SPLM/SPLA (IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny. But following months of disagreement over the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, Gatwech declared an attempt top remove Machar accusing him of running after power and imposed himself as the new chair of the group.

The opposition commander’s decision was endorsed by senior SPLA-IO commanders such as General Johnson Olony Thabo and General Thomas Mabor Dhol who have however broke away from Gatwech following clashes between their forces in most parts of northern Upper Nile State where civilian casualties has also been documented.