![South Sudan's then newly removed FVP Dr. Riek Machar Teny speaks during a meeting of the SPLM-IO political bureau in Khartoum, Sudan. [Photo by SUNA]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Riek_Machar.jpg?ssl=1)
Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, a high-ranking SPLA-IO officer in Unity State said General Tit Biel Wich declared his intention on Thursday afternoon to join the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces along with a number of opposition soldiers.
“This is to inform the public that General Tito Biel Wich has declared that he has defected from the SPLA-IO under Dr. Riek Machar Teny. There are unconfirmed reports that we have received indicating that he is forming a movement of his own, though we are also aware that he is joining the SSPDF,” the officer who requested not to be named, said.
Another opposition official in Ding Ding, Rubkona, where SPLA-IO forces are being cantoned, said there were tensions between forces loyal to him and those who have remained loyal to the SPLA-IO under First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
“He defected in an area in near Tumor, and there are tensions between his soldiers and those who have decided to remain in the SPLA-IO, but the leadership is working to contain the problem so that it does not lead to clashes,” the official added.
This is the second time a top SPLA-IO commander defect from the group within one week. Earlier this week, a senior opposition commander in Ayod County of Jonglei state declared his intention to abandon Machar and join the SSPDF under President Kiir.
In a statement, Major General Michael Dak Riek of the SPLA-IO division in Jonglei state’s Phow said he has defected along with a group of more than one-thousand (1000) soldiers and accused First Vice President Machar of deceiving his colleagues and his people in Ayod County.
“The group comprise of more than thousand troops, high-ranking political elites, military generals, officers, NCOs and men who play a great political role in Ayod County and South Sudan at large. The declaration involves chiefs, leaders of which white army and member of the community,” Dak said in a statement seen by Sudans Post.
Gen. Dak claimed that Machar has turned the movement into family enterprise.
“He (Machar) is used to deception politics of giving empty promises to his subordinate to fight his wars while he has already prepared his relatives for political positions to be appointed once his will is realized,” Dak said.
Let us bring all Military together for the sake of the country. I think most of Machar’s forces have returned back to government please correct me if I am wrong. Just counts from Spokesman, general James from Maiwut county, general James Koang Chuol with many generals and politicians, general Moses Lokujo with 1800 soldiers, general James Khor Chuol Giet and many more others including Kitgwang faction. Machar Teny will blame himself because why people leaving him because what these Military leaders and politicians they have seen the way how Dr. Riek Machar Teny has runs government special, the appointment of powerful positions has indicated strong nepotism and discrimination against Nuer itself. As a leader, you sometimes forgive people and make apology if you done anything wrong but Dr. Riek Machar Teny is not doing that.
The Nuers intellectuals asked Machar to make reconciliation with Simon Gatwech Dual and two others generals and he refused to do so. During J1 Presidential palace Dogfights, if president Salva Kiir didn’t help him perhaps, he would have been killed and same thing he should have forgive Simon Gatwech Dual and two others generals who break away from him.
President Kiir told Machar Teny to make dialogue with Simon Gatwech Dual and two others generals and he refused and the real question is, how will you lead South Sudan if you are able to forgive each other? South Sudanese people must watch out, Pro Machar and those who break away from him will cause another conflict if the President Salva Kiir is not paying attention.