South Sudan signs peace deal with Gatwech’s SPLM-IO faction in Port Sudan

PORT SUDAN/JUBA – South Sudan’s government and a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by General Simon Gatwech Dual signed a peace agreement on Monday in Port Sudan, marking a new attempt to end a long-running conflict.

This is the second peace agreement signed between the two parties. The Sudanese government, which facilitated the talks, confirmed the deal in a statement, reiterating its commitment to regional stability and the security of both nations.

The agreement follows two rounds of negotiations held in Port Sudan, the first in January and the second in early February. The Juba delegation was led by South Sudan intelligence chief, Gen. Akech Tong Aleu, while Gatwech’s faction was represented by its own delegation.

The Sudanese embassy in Juba, in a statement seen by Sudans Post today, emphasized its support for South Sudan’s 2018 revitalized peace agreement, which was also negotiated in Sudan, and its efforts to achieve lasting stability.

“The efforts initiated by the Sudanese government to advance the peace process in South Sudan have resulted in two rounds of negotiations held in Port Sudan—the first in January and the second in early February,” the statement said.

“These talks, between the delegation of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, led by General Akech Tong Aleu, Director General of the Internal Security Bureau, and General Simon Gatwech Dual, were conducted under the auspices of the Sudanese government and culminated in a final peace agreement that brings an end to a long period of conflict,” it added.

The Sudanese government statement commended General Gatwech’s group for its commitment to peace, acknowledging their willingness to engage in the process and expressing hope for a lasting resolution to the conflict.

It also praised the South Sudanese government for its constructive participation in the talks. The statement emphasized the importance of these negotiations in achieving stability and security in the region.

“We take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to General Simon Gatwech for his commitment to peace, silencing the sound of weapons, and extinguishing the flames of war,” it said.

“Our appreciation also goes to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan for engaging in the negotiations with seriousness, sincerity, and dedication – reflecting the South Sudanese leadership’s genuine commitment to ensuring peace throughout the country and fulfilling President Salva Kiir’s pledge never to return South Sudan to the cycle of war and conflict,” it added.

Gatwech’s SPLM-IO Kitgwang faction also confirmed the agreement. His press secretary, Nyang Gong Gai, said the deal addresses key grievances, including political representation and the integration of its forces into the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

“The government of South Sudan and our movement have reached a final peace deal. This agreement ensures the full integration of our forces into the national army and provides a political framework for our participation in governance. More details of the agreement will come soon” Gai said.

Juba has yet to release an official statement. However, a senior government official, who declined to be named, described the agreement as “a milestone” in South Sudan’s efforts to consolidate peace ahead of the country’s delayed elections.

The latest peace deal comes amid ongoing efforts to implement the 2018 peace deal, which has been hampered by repeated delays, security concerns, and political disagreements. It also follows years of internal divisions within the SPLM-IO, including the 2021 breakaway of Gatwech’s Kitgwang faction, which opposed First Vice President Riek Machar’s leadership.

Observers suggest the agreement could bolster peace efforts in South Sudan, but challenges remain, particularly regarding the full implementation of security arrangements and the integration of opposition forces. Similar concerns arose after Gatwech signed a peace deal in Khartoum in January 2022 with the government, which was not implemented.

“This is a positive step, but the real test lies in implementation. The government and opposition forces must work together to ensure that this agreement leads to lasting stability,” said Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society leader and head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO).

The Sudanese government hailed the agreement as a success, commending both parties for their willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace initiatives in South Sudan.

“Out of our firm belief in the sanctity of peace as a universal human right that must be enjoyed by all without exception, and with the conviction that advancing the peace process in the Republic of South Sudan is of utmost importance – given the deep ties and interconnected security of our two nations – and in fulfillment of a long-standing history of brotherhood and solidarity, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which was mediated by Sudan,” it said.

Monday’s agreement follows years of sporadic clashes between government troops and Gatwech’s forces, particularly in northern parts of South Sudan, where his faction maintained a presence. The deal is expected to lead to the gradual demobilization of SPLM-IO Kitgwang fighters and their eventual integration into the national army.