SPLM-IO infighting hampering completion of security arrangements – Makuei

JUBA – South Sudan information minister Michael Makuei Lueth has said that the ongoing armed confrontation between two different factions of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) is hampering efforts by the parties to implement the security arrangements provided for in the revitalized peace agreement.

In August, former SPLA-IO chief of staff General Simon Gatwech Dual declared the ouster of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny as the leader of the main armed opposition group accusing him of giving up on the security arrangements which would see the proper unification of the rival forces into a one national army.

The declaration was immediately dismissed by Machar as an activity of peace spoilers who seek to undermine the security arrangements. Days later, deadly fighting erupted after forces loyal to Machar attack General Gatwech Dual’s forces in Magenis resulting in the killing of several soldiers from both sides.

In statements to the media on Friday, Makuei said the infighting within the SPLM-IO is hampering efforts by the peace parties to implement the security arrangements provided for in the revitalized peace agreement saying the SPLM-IO factions should stop the armed confrontations to give change for the security arrangements to be implemented.

“There are many factors undermining the implementations of the security arrangements and one of which is the ongoing fighting between the SPLM/A-IO itself because we don’t know who is in control of the forces that will be unified with other forces from the signatories to the agreement,” Makuei said.

“So, there is need for the SPLM/A-IO warring factions to stop that and focus on the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and the security arrangements in particular,” Makuei added.