![SPLA-IO General Chief of Staff General Simon Gatwech Dual talks to the press at a cantonment site following his return to Juba on April 25, 2016 [Photo by Charles Lomodong/AFP via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cg5aqKBUYAAchQ2.jpg?ssl=1)
General Gatwech, a former military chief of staff of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA-IO) removed Machar in August and declared himself the leader of the main armed opposition group accusing First Vice President Machar and leader of the main faction of the SPLM-IO of surrendering to Kiir at the expense of the security arrangements.
In a statement, Gen. Gatwech said under the SPLM-IO leadership of Machar, the opposition reform agenda of democracy, justice, equality and freedom of expression in South Sudan has never been achieved, the security arrangement has never been implemented, the hybrid court is not established, our people are still suffering in UNMISS protection sites and in refugees camps.”
He urged South Sudanese from all directions to join hands so that they effect change for the people of the war-torn country,
“South Sudanese deserve peace and harmony and that’s why we urges that let us joined hands together from Mayom to Lara and from Kit- Gwang to Nimule searching for peace and stability through unity we will win,” he added.
