Kiir’s security advisor Tut Gatluak: I forgive my brother’s killers if this will bring peace

JUBA – South Sudan’s presidential advisor on security affairs Tutkew Gatluak Manimeh said Sunday that he has decided to forgive killers of his brother if his death will lead to permanent peace and stability in the oil-rich Unity State.

Maj. Gen. Chuol Gatluak Manimeh, the county commissioner of Mayom County, was killed on Friday night during an attack by rebel forces belonging to South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A) led by  Gen. Buay Rolnyang.

Speaking during the funeral rite of his brother in Juba on Sunday, Gatluak said he does not want more conflict between the people of South Sudan which he said may jeopardize the implementation process of the revitalized peace agreement.

“I do not accept more bloodshed anymore in in our state, Unity State. If the killing of my elder brother Chuol Gatluak is going to bring peace and stability to people of Mayom, in particular, and South Sudan in general, then I forgive his killers for the sack of peace,” Gatluak said.

“Our president, H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit has made it clear that there is no need for return to war because our people are suffering not only in Unity State, but elsewhere in the country especially in Warrap state,” he said.

BUAY CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY

Gen. Buay following the incident in Mayom claimed responsibility and said his forces captured Mayom during early hours of Friday to retaliate after an attack on their positions by the commissioner and Gen. Ruay Tap, the incumbent 4th infantry division of SSPDF.

“Major General Kerubino Ruay Tap, the SSPDF Commander of 4th infantry Division came to Mayom town, unity state last week with intention to clear Mayom area of the SSPM/A forces and launched an attack on SSPM/A forces at Bong on 21/7/2022, killing one SSPA soldier,” Buay said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

“The SSPM/A forces retaliated immediately by attacking and capturing Mayom this morning on 22/7/2022, around 03:00 AM,” he added.

When contacted by Sudans Post, Gen. Buay separately confirmed that his forces are behind the killing of the commissioner, but said no civilian was killed during the three-hour operation.

“He was with Division 4 Commander and was targeted after they attacked us. No civilian casualties.  Those who were killed and wounded in Mayom fighting were soldiers,” he added.

He said his forces have been ordered “to withdraw from Mayom town to nearby villages where they shall be re-organized and conduct similar operations against military objectives, regime pro-militias and regime installations in Western Upper Nile (Unity state) and part of Warrap, Northern Bahr El Ghazal and Raja.”