![Former SPLM-IO governor of Sobat state and senior SPLM-IO member Duer Tut Duer [Photo via Facebook]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/117168988_10223055270587840_7471813281113557728_n.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)
Duer Tut Duer, a former SPLM-IO governor of Sobat state and a member of the group’s National Liberation Council (NLC), said in an exclusive interview with Sudans Post on Wednesday that Machar is working to divide and destroy the SPLM-IO so that he can rejoin the SPLM under President Salva Kiir Mayardit under the pretext of the Arusha Reunification Agreement.
The Arusha Reunification Agreement is a framework agreement signed by three SPLM factions – SPLM-IG, SPLM-IO, and SPLM-FDs – in Tanzania’s capital Arusha in January 2015 to reunite their ranks but has not been implemented due to the continuation of the war.
“Riek Machar is working to divide the SPLM-IO to create internal tension because he wants to dismantle the SPLM-IO before he could join the SPLM-IG under the pretext of Arusha Agreement,” Duer told Sudans Post from the Sudanese capital Khartoum.
The outspoken opposition official also denied allegations that he was working to divide the SPLM-IO and instead accused Machar of dividing opposition military generals by giving preferential treatments.
“I am not working to divide the SPLM-IO; it is Riek Machar who is working to divide the SPLM-IO,” Duer said.
“Riek Machar is dividing Generals by giving special treatment to the Generals he believes loyal to him and using divisive language,” he added.
He said he was working to restructure and restore the strength of the main armed opposition group which he said would have a notable effect on the political landscape in the world’s youngest country.
“I am working for the Unity of the SPLM-IO because I want to restructure, reorganize and reform the SPLM-IO to become a strong movement capable of changing what is happening in South Sudan now,” he added.
