June 25 , 2021 — Speaking exclusively to Nyamilepedia, the former SPLM/A-IO Governor of the defunct Sobat State, Lt. Gen. Duer Tut Duer, estimates that between 80 to 90% of SPLM/A-IO supporters have fallen off with Dr. Machar, leaving only a tiny fraction, mostly clansmen, in support of the First Vice President, Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM/A-IO.
In Hon. Duer’s world, Dr. Machar, whom he dismissed through social median on June 1st, 2021, should be referred as the former chairman and former commander-in-chief of the SPLM/A-IO.
Asked of how many SPLM/A-IO supporters are in agreement with his decision to remove their chairman and commander-in-chief, Hon. Duer estimates that a minimum of 80% would freely support his idea and another 10%, which is based mostly in Juba, may back his ideas under the cover as they may be loyal to their jobs and positions more than to Machar as a leader.
“Frankly, approximately 80% are not with Dr. Riek Machar Teny since he decided to go to Juba before security arrangements and as we speak now, I would say 90% of the SPLM/SPLA-IO members are supporting my idea including those in Juba but they are silent just because they are being maintained by their positions not because of their loyalty to Machar.” Hon Duer Tut said in an interview with Nyamilepedia.
According to the outspoken critic of Machar’s leadership, the First Vice President is trying very hard to fit the SPLA-IO against itself to divert attention from disposing him; however, Duer believes that his leadership is working hard to neutralize the negative energy and things should be normal.
“Dr. Machar tried many times to instigate a tension between the SPLA-IO forces to fight among themselves in order to divert our attentions from removing him but we are making it political and we have calmed the situation down and now many SPLM/SPLA-IO members and generals understood what is going on.” Hon. Duer said.Â
Asked if he believes that Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual is loyal to him or loyal to Machar, Duer reiterated that if Gatwech turned down Machar’s appointment, then it means he is no longer loyal to Machar.
“Logically if Dr. Riek Machar Teny nominated Gen. Simon Gatwech to be appointed as Presidential Advisor for Peace and Gen Simon Gatwech denounced the appointment publicly, why would you think he could remain loyal to Machar again. I think if he is still loyal to Machar he would have accepted the new assignment but he is not.” Hon Duer said.
Hon. Duer Tut felt out with Dr. Machar after the 2016 incident; however, if he came back to the armed opposition in 2017 but backed off again when Machar decided to return to Juba without the top leadership’s approval.
