February 13th 2019 (Nyamilepedia) – A group of more than 300 rebel soldiers loyal to former South Sudan Army Chief of Staffs, Gen. Paul Malong Awan, have abandoned the bush and have joined the government force stationed in Northern Bahr Al-Ghazal, a spokesman for the group said.
Last week, clashes were reported in Northern Bahr Al-Ghazal at an area south of Kiir Adem fitting unknown rebel group and the South Sudan army.
A rebel officer who identified himself as Col. Mading Marial said he and 347 soldiers from the South Sudan United Front and Army (SSUM/A) of the former military chief, Gen. Malong, have left the bush and joined the government.
“I and my colleagues who are 347 in number have decided to join the government for peace implementation. We are tired of war and we do not want to let the suffering of our people to continue and as such we have to follow other peace signatories in ending the ongoing violent in our beloved nation,” Marial told the Nyamilepedia on phone from the Sudanese capital Khartoum.
He said he and his colleagues are for peace but question if their boss, Malong is for peace given his frequent use of “hard speech” against the government of South Sudan which he said is ready to negotiate with any “rebel.”
“We don’t know if he is for peace. We do not have to know if he is looking for peace. But one thing is clear and that is the frequent use of hard speech by Paul [Malong] against the government of H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardiit who said is ready to talk to any rebel group to bring peace,” he said.
“So, if Malong do not want peace, it is up to him but we cannot continue to stay near him even when we don’t know what he want,” he added.
