JUBA – The chief of the SPLM-IO Kitgwang peace faction, General Gatkuoth Biel Nyang, has welcomed the peace settlement between President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s authorities and General Simon Gatwech Dual. He described the deal as a big step towards stabilizing South Sudan.
Speaking to Sudans Post on Wednesday, Gatkuoth praised the federal government’s efforts to barter the deal and urged all remaining armed teams to embrace peace. He stated the settlement supplies a path to unity and nationwide reconciliation.
“I want to thank His Excellency General Salva Kiir Mayardit for his initiative and commitment to bringing peace,” Gatkuoth stated. “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 additionally counseled the position performed 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 stated.
Gatkuoth urged his former chief to return to the capital Juba to make sure swift implementation of the settlement.
“I thank General Gatwech Dual for accepting peace, which is the right decision,” he stated. “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 chief additionally referred to as on different armed opposition teams, together with the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirilo, to desert riot and be part of the peace course of.
“I call on General Thomas Cirilo and all other armed groups still outside the peace process to come home,” Gatkuoth stated. “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 authorities and Gatwech Dual’s SPLM-IO Kitgwang, signed in Port Sudan on February 3, contains provisions for power-sharing and navy integration in addition to Gatwech’s appointment because 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 a part of efforts to implement the settlement.
However, the deal has been met with criticism from the SPLM-IO beneath First Vice President Riek Machar. His faction argues that it violates the 2018 revitalized peace settlement by creating new navy positions outdoors its framework.
Despite the opposition, Gatkuoth Biel Nyang stays optimistic that the settlement will pave the best way for lasting stability within the nation.
“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 stated.
“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.