Machar, Kitgwang defectors initiate talks to resolve differences – Machar’s office

JUBA — South Sudan’s rival SPLM-IO factions have begun initiative to try to resolve the issues which led to deadly clashes among themselves last week, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny’s office has said in a statement.

This comes a week after former SPLA-IO chief of General Staff General Simon Gatwech Dual announced following a gathering of influential opposition commanders at Kitgwang, Magenis, that he has removed Machar as the SPLA-IO chairman and commander in chief and that he has assumed power as the new SPLM-IO leader.

In a statement this evening, Acting Press Secretary in the Office of the First Vice President and SPLM-IO Director of Information and Public Relations Puok Both Baluang said General Johnson Olony, General Gatwech’s deputy, had called Machar and informed the SPLM-IO chairman of their desire to cease hostilities.

“H.E. Excellency the Chairman and Commander -In- Chief of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) and the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar Teny- Dhurgon received today August 11, 2021 two telephone calls at 11:54 AM and 05:50 PM from Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony, member of the Kit Gwang Declaration group led by SPLA (IO) former Chief of General Staff Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual,” Baluang said in the statement a copy of which was extended to Sudans Post.

“Gen. Johnson Olony informed H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon about their group acceptance of the ceasefire. In an amicable atmosphere, H.E. the Chairman and Commander -in- Chief emphasized the need to resolve peacefully the incident that took place in Magenis in Upper Nile State,” the statement adds.

He further said that the two opposition comrades “agreed to immediately send the Commissioner of Panyikang County Hon. Mustafa Gai to the county headquarters to assume his duties and to assure the population that there is peace in the area.”

He then said that they have “agreed to maintain contact.”