January 15th 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan’s holdout rebel group, the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) led by ex-army chief Gen. Paul Malong Awan, has rubbished a report that its chairman has threatened to withdraw from Rome Declaration days after its signing.
On Tuesday, social media users circulated a news report saying Malong had threatened to withdraw from the Rome Declaration warning the “government of President Salva Kiir to stay away from acts which he said may regenerate hatred and envy that will likely renew fighting saying South Sudan government is always not sincere to itself and others.”
In a statement on Tuesday evening, the SSUF/A distanced itself from the statement saying Malong is committed to the peaceful ending of the ongoing civil war with the government.
“The entire membership of South Sudan United Front/Army, partners, supporters and the international community are being alerted here to take note of a statement circulated by one Sudans Post website as a sentimental piece devoid of truth but propaganda aimed at spoiling whatever level of understanding that was reached in Rome, Italy,” the statement signed by the group’s spokesman Sunday de’John parly read.
The statement said Malong – who is now in the Italian capital Rome – have never addressed the media since 2018. It said Malong did not addressed the media in Italy wondering where such statements were issued by the former army chief.
“It should be noted that Gen. Paul Malong Awan has never addressed the media anywhere or for any reason since 2018. Recently in Rome, he has never talked to the media and the allegation that he threatened to withdraw from peace talks is merely a purported lie,” the statement said.
“The truth underlying the cessation of hostilities is that, a conducive environment must be provided so that talks on the pertinent matters, particularly the root causes of the conflict are conducted without disturbances of all sorts and thus the agreement underscored that no attacks with weapons, verbal or even any sort of propaganda should be made against each other.
“The forces be they military, political or propaganda are at a point of restrain for talks to continue for the achievement of comprehensive sustainable peace. Therefore, the propagandists of Sudans Post should give cessation of hostilities a chance for peace to be achieved.”
It further said the rebel leader will issue a statement “in writing today on the cessation of hostilities.”
