Kiir must come back to his sense, Gatwech urges

JUBA – South Sudan opposition commander and leader of the main armed opposition SPLM-IO Kitgwang faction Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual has urged the international community to pressure Kiir in order for him to get the implementation of the Khartoum peace agreement done.

In a statement marking one year since the Kitgwang declaration, Gatwech urged for the intervention of the regional and international bodies working for realization of peace in the world’s youngest nation, saying Kiir is not serious.

“It is our joint request to ask for the intervention of the UN, AU, TROIKA, IGAD and other pivotal bodies at the world stage to help in actualizing this noble dream of the people of South Sudan to enhance stability, development and promote rule of law and installation of democracy which in return shall come with blessings of good governance,” Gatwech said.

“Last year, the SPLM/SPLA Kitgwang had signed a peace deal brokered by the government of Sudan (Khartoum Peace Agreement) between SPLM/A IO Kitgwang and SPLM IG in support for full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCISS). The Khartoum Peace Agreement called for speedy implementation of the Security Arrangements in a period not exceeding three months which started on the 16 January 2022 up to 16 April 2022.

“This has not been fulfilled, but we are still hopeful that the government in Juba come back to its sense to believe in peaceful settlement of political, social and economic problems of South Sudan rather than supporting wars that bring destructions and sufferings of the masses.

“More so, we are indebted to instruct all our field commanders to observe the same cessation of hostilities we signed early this year with the government of South Sudan and stick to our areas of control until further directives from the headquarters.

“Its however important to note that we SPLM/A IO Kitgwang are for peace and would help our people in maintaining security all over the areas of our responsibilities especially in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, Western Bharal-Gazal, Central, Eastern and Western Equatoria States respectively.”