Gatwech sets 2 preconditions for return to Juba

JUBA – The leader of the breakaway Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) Kitgwang faction General Simon Gatwech Dual has set two preconditions for his return to Juba, saying President Salva Kiir must first complete the integration of his forces into the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

Gatwech signed a peace deal with President Salva Kiir Mayardit in Khartoum last month. The agreement provides for the integration of his forces into South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and also for the allocation of a few political seats to General Gatwech’s group.

Last week, Gatwech returned to Magenis when he announced the infamous Kitgwang declaration in which he and other senior members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition attempted to oust First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny as Chairman and Commander in Chief of the SPLM/SPLA (IO).

The opposition commanders accused Machar of trading the SPLA-IO forces who had remained in the bush following his 2020 return to Juba, for positions. They had also accused the main armed opposition leader9of surrendering to the government of President Kiir at the expense of the revitalized peace agreement.

Speaking to Sudans Post this morning, an opposition diplomat allied to Gatwech said General Gatwech has told the government that he won’t return to Juba until went the forces under him are integrated into South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

“What has been made very clear to the government in Juba is that General Gatwech will not return to Juba until his forces are integrated into the SSPDF because there are no guarantees for the implementation of the peace agreement,” the diplomat who requested not to be named, said.

The diplomat also revealed that General Gatwech “has asked President Salva Kiir Mayardit to send a team to Khartoum again and finalize on how to allocate political positions to the SPLM-IO Kitgwang faction.”