SPLM-IO factional leader Gatkuoth Biel welcomes Kiir-Gatwech deal

JUBA – The leader of the SPLM-IO Kitgwang peace faction, General Gatkuoth Biel Nyang, has welcomed the peace agreement between President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government and General Simon Gatwech Dual. He described the deal as a significant step toward stabilizing South Sudan.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Wednesday, Gatkuoth praised the government’s efforts to negotiate the deal and urged all remaining armed groups to embrace peace. He said the agreement provides a path to unity and national reconciliation.

“I want to thank His Excellency General Salva Kiir Mayardit for his initiative and commitment to bringing peace,” Gatkuoth said. “This is an important step in the right direction, and I appreciate the government’s efforts in ensuring that all South Sudanese factions are brought together.”

He also commended the role played by South Sudan’s intelligence chief in facilitating the negotiations.

“I extend my gratitude to General Akech Tong, the Director-General of the Internal Security Bureau, for his personal efforts in traveling to Port Sudan to engage with General Gatwech Dual and work toward a peaceful resolution,” he said.

Gatkuoth urged his former leader to return to the capital Juba to ensure swift implementation of the agreement.

“I thank General Gatwech Dual for accepting peace, which is the right decision,” he said. “This is what I have always advised him to do. Now that an agreement has been reached, I urge him to return to Juba so that the implementation can begin without delay.”

The SPLM-IO Kitgwang leader also called on other armed opposition groups, including the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirilo, to abandon rebellion and join the peace process.

“I call on General Thomas Cirilo and all other armed groups still outside the peace process to come home,” Gatkuoth said. “South Sudan has suffered enough, and it is time to build trust and confidence among ourselves to achieve lasting peace.”

The peace deal between Kiir’s government and Gatwech Dual’s SPLM-IO Kitgwang, signed in Port Sudan on February 3, includes provisions for power-sharing and military integration as well as Gatwech’s appointment as the deputy commander-in-chief of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

A delegation from Gatwech’s faction arrived in Juba on Wednesday as part of efforts to implement the agreement.

However, the deal has been met with criticism from the SPLM-IO under First Vice President Riek Machar. His faction argues that it violates the 2018 revitalized peace agreement by creating new military positions outside its framework.

Despite the opposition, Gatkuoth Biel Nyang remains optimistic that the agreement will pave the way for lasting stability in the country.

“We need to embrace peace, not only for ourselves but for the future generations of South Sudan. Our country has endured decades of suffering, and it is time for us to break the cycle of war and destruction,” he said.

“We must set aside our differences and work together to build a stable and prosperous nation where our children can grow up in peace. If we fail to do so, the next generations will inherit the same conflicts and divisions that have plagued us for so long. This is our chance to change the course of history and ensure that South Sudan moves forward as a united and peaceful country,” he added.