Machar must first endorse Kitgwang Declaration, Gatwech sets pre-conditions for reconciliation 

JUBA – Controversial South Sudan opposition commander and self-imposed leader of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition chairman Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual has set preconditions for any dialogue with First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny saying the later must endorse him before any initiative to reconcile is taken.

In early August, Gatwech – along with other opposition commanders such as Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo – attempted to remove Machar as leader of the SPLM/SPLA-IO saying he has surrendered the movement’s radical stance on the implementation of the security arrangements in favor of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

But the two opposition commanders have in recent weeks been hinting at return to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) saying they are in talks with President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government to ensure their integration into the army.

In a statement, factional SPLA-IO spokesman Brig. Gen. William Gatjiath Deng said Machar is still planning to attack their forces and warned that they won’t sit back while they are being attacked adding that they won’t accept talks with Machar unless the later has endorsed the Kitgwang Declaration removing him.

“The leadership of the SPLM/A (IO) led by Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, standing firm for peace in the country and shall never turn off its blink eyes to the problem in South Sudan but seriously warned Dr Riek Machar’s forces to stop attacking our military bases and let them remain waiting for the possible steps that shall take place anytime between the new leadership and the R-TGONU,” the statement seen by Sudans Post reads in part.

“Moreover, due to these continuing attacks, we have ruled out that no more dialogue with Dr. Riek Machar unless he himself endorses the Kit-Gwang declaration,” he added.