Appointment of the SPLM/A-IO Chief of Staff as Presidential Advisor for Peace clarified

Juba, South Sudan,

June 24, 2021 – Responding to speculations on social media that the SPLM/A-IO Chief of General Staff, 1st Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual has been fired from his position as the COGS of the main armed opposition, the SPLM_IO Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Puok Both Baluang dismissed the “firing” aspects of the speculations but confirmed that he has lost the position of Chief of General Staff by the virtue of the appointment.

Speaking to Nyamilepedia, Baluang confirmed that the senior commander was not relieved from his post as allegedly perceived by many but he lost “the concerned office” in the wake of a new advisory portfolio. 

“Gen. Gatwech Dual was not sacked as the SPLA (IO) General Chief of staff,however he lost the concerned office on the basis of his new assignment as Presidential Advisor for Peace”, Baluang said.

He further explained that Gen. Gatwech Dual was officially consulted by the leadership of the SPLA-IO prior to his appointment and he accepted to be appointed as a Presidential Advisor for Peace. 

“Yes, General Simon Gatwech was consulted by the leadership of the SPLM/A (IO) and he gave his consent to take up the position in question”, he emphasized.

Baluang believes that Gen. Dual will play a pivotal role in his capacity as Presidential Advisor for Peace especially in achieving security arrangements which is the major concern.

“We are optimistic that Gen. Gatwech Dual will contribute positively on the implementation of the security arrangements given the significance of the position, coupled with the fact that the implementation of the R-ARCSS is his inherently office functions”, Baluang inserted.

Two days ago Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual was appointed through republican decree by president Kiir, however, the media quoted the Chief of General Staff denouncing the assignment while citing a fragile security situation in the country and added that he was not running after seats but yearning for a better and secure environment that reflect the true peace and freedom to all people of South Sudan.