Top rebel general, 200 military officers abandon Cirilo for Kiir

JUBA — At least 200 military officers have abandoned the National Salvation Front under the leadership of Gen. Thomas Cirilo.

In a mass resignation letter seen by Sudans Post, the leader of the breakaway group, Maj. Gen. Martin Sebit Batali said they dumbed Cirilo to join the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity and work towards stability.

“With this letter, we the officers of the National Salvation Front (NAS) headed by Maj. Gen. Martin Sebit Batali, the Commander of Military Operation for Central Equatoria State Sector, with our troop forces numbering two hundred (200) strong, based within Yei River County of Morobo, Lasu, and Senima Payam areas, have decided wholeheartedly to join the government of South Sudan under H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan in quest for peace and stability in our beloved country,” the statement read in part.

The group accused Gen. Cirilo of leadership incompetence and loss of vision for the movement.

“The leadership of National Salvation Front (NAS) under Gen. Thomas Cirilo Swaka failed to show true leadership quality to the manner in which it runs party’s affairs, especially in building the young, capable, and energetic youth to prepare them for a better future generation,” they added in the statement dated 19th April 2022.

“The leadership lacks a clear sound vision that can unite the diverse members of communities who joined the party to turn it into a formidable force that could contribute effectively to the transformation of the country as the people year for a true leader who could ably lead them,” it continued.

It also claimed that decision-making process with NAS is restricted to family members and tribally-affiliated individuals within the movement.

“Members of other ethnic groups are excluded from decision making process except for his family and tribe members only,” the statement said.

Adil welcomes members

The Governor of Central Equatoria State Emmanuel Adil has welcomed the defectors and lauded their decision their to abandon Mr. Cirilo.

“In conformity with President Kiir’s resolve to end the senseless war, I welcome you who have decided to abandon rebellion and choose the course of peace and stability,” was quoted by local media to have said.