Holdout groups to be ‘flushed out’ of Lainya County

JUBA — The commissioner of Lainya County in Central Equatoria State said Tuesday that security forces will target holdout groups who refuse to join the South Sudanese peace agreement.

Commissioner Emmanuel Khamis Richard made the statement after meeting with Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony in Juba.

“I can say they have been able to contain the activities of holdout groups and we continue to engage others who are still holding arms to join the peace process while those who will not join the army, of course, will be a responsibility of security forces to ensure they are flushed out so that people can have sustainable peace,” Khamis told reporters.

Khamis said the security situation in Lainya County is relatively calm.

“I came to Juba on official duty to brief the government of Central Equatoria State on many areas in Lainya County and number one on general security which is relatively calm. Our security forces are doing a good job,” he said.

Governor’s press secretary Derick Derickson said activities by the National Salvation Front (NAS), a holdout group led by General Thomas Cirilo, have been reduced.

South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) is a coalition of holdout groups that refused to sign the 2018 peace deal.

It comprises the South Sudan United Front (SSUF) led by General Paul Malong, the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirilo, and the Real-SPLM led by General Pagan Amum.

In December, President Salva Kiir Mayardit requested that Kenyan President William Ruto mediate peace talks between the government and holdout groups.

The last dialogue between the government and non-signatories to the 2018 peace deal, held in Rome and mediated by the Sant’Egidio community, ended without agreement.