The opposition figures were led by James Kok Ruea, former minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and member of South Sudan’s Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA) who accused Machar of marginalizing the people of Fangak County in the SPLM-IO.
President Kiir last week issued a Republican Order revoking James Kok’s appointment to the peace parliament and appointed another politician from Jonglei state who is a member of the SPLM-IO from Jonglei state.
In a statement, the presidency said the group met with President Salva Kiir Mayardit and were welcomed and told to work for the achievement of peace and stability by supporting the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement signed in September last year.
“His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit met with politicians and Generals from Fangak County led by James Kok Ruea and his other colleagues who recently declared their allegiance from SPLM-IO under Dr Riek Machar Teny to the SPLM under the leadership of H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit,” the statement reads in part.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit appreciated the move made by James Kok Ruea and his colleagues and called upon the group to join hands and work for peace and unity of the Country,” the statement adds.
If I was Dr. Riek Machar Teny, I would have give up with the arms then, planning my platform as a political party . He will not win the election if he is keeping arms while, trying to be political leader at the same time it just can’t happen. Instead of wasting money to hiring others foreigners to be the one handling our problems within country, I would do what general Paulino Matip Nhial had done. I will say the army leadership must organize both former rebels and the current SSPDF as one National Army. Then, I will start organizing my platform separately without Army associates because mixing political and the Arms wouldn’t be successful for election.
we have confused communities who have been confusing us since. moving here and there. we want peace this time. some of them have no brain and skills to be even a mere payam administrator. and now want to be ministers and president. viva Kiir, but dont give them any post. revonate SPLM party.