JUBA, JUNE 8, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday met General Johnson Olony Thabo at the presidential palace J1, urging him to be serious about peace and not to return to the bush.
Olony returned to Juba for the first time since 2013 last month for implementation of a peace agreement he signed with the government of President Kiir in January last year that provided for integration of his forces into the South Sudan’s army.
Speaking during the meeting that was attended by prominent opposition commanders such as General Mabor Dhol , Kiir thanked Olony for heeding to the call for peace and for coming to Juba, saying the opposition commanders need to be serious and not to return to the bush.
“We are happy that you have accepted to come to Juba to join the peace process. We want peace and we are ready and committed to pulling the country into the trajectory of peace and stability,” the president said.
“If you have come for peace, please come with the hearts of peace. We don’t want to see anyone going back to the bush, because South Sudan is too big, and it has enough to cater for all of us,” Kiir said.
For his part, General Olony expressed his happiness for meeting Kiir, and said he and his group are for peace.
“We are happy to meet you today, and we want to truly tell you Mr. President that we have wholeheartedly come for peace, and we don’t want other people in the middle to spoil this peace,” Olony said.
According to a statement by the presidency, Kiir “directed the defense ministry officials and security institutions to expedite the incorporation of Agwelek Forces into the national army, as agreed in Khartoum.”