August 10, 2015(Nyamilepedia) — Members of Phou Community residing in Kampala, Uganda, have unanimously welcomed the recent position of the Inspector General of SPLA, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Gatwech Chan, who has been accused of wanting to defect to join Salva Kiir’s regime.
Speaking to online Sudan Tribune on Saturday, Maj. Gen. Tanginye rubbishes the speculations of his defection as complete lies orchestrated by desperate politicians in Salva Kiir’s faction in Juba.
Maj.Gen. Gatwech, a longtime victim of past amnesties, denounced the allegations and challenged the believers to explain why their defection is reported in Juba when some of them are still serving in SPLM/SPLA liberated areas.
“We have not split; we are still united under the leadership of Riek Machar. Let me assure [you] that those who claimed we have defected are lie tellers. If we are defected, why it is that someone from Juba is the telling [about] our defection?” Tanginye warns.
The Phou community in Uganda has warmly received the statement and congratulates their son for coming out publicly to refute the claims.
“I, James Tayien Koang the Chairman of Phow Cummunity in Uganda and my community humbly congratulated and welcome the statement made by our beloved Son and at the same time the father and major general Gabriel Gatwech Chan (known as Tanginye).” Said Tayien Kong, the chairman of Phou Community in Uganda.
The Chairman of the association further assures the community that he has spoken to Maj.Gen. Tanginye and Brig. Gen. Stephen Gawaar Manyoak and got assured that the generals are not defecting from the rebel movement.
“I could assure you my dear members that the independence clarification given to me by Gabriel Gatwech Chan and supported by Stephen Gawaar Manyok that they are still in strong position to uphold the interests of SPLM-IO until the peace talks agree by two warring parties.” Mr. Tayien Kong continued.
Many senior generals from Phou State that include Maj. Gen. Both Teny, the Commander of SPLA General Headquarters(Pagak), Maj. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the Military governor of Phou State, Brig. Gen. Simon Diang Duoth, Brig. Gen. Peter Puok Kong, Brig Gen. Mawich Makuach, Brig. Gen. Chuol Nhial Koka, Brig. Gen Jok Kuach, Brig.Gen Puok Wonoah, among other generals, are leading the battles in the volatile Upper Nile, Jonglei and Unity States.
Maj. Gen. Gatwech Chan in his response on Saturday declared to the people of South Sudan that he will not “betray his people” but instead his leadership under Dr. Riek Machar Teny is committed to restore peace and end the suffering of his people.
Gen. Tanginye also warns that personal interests should not be put above the community and national interests, calling on his colleagues to remain vigilance to the cause of the movement to restore peace in the country.
Calls for Peace
According to Jal Duop Yang, the Legal Affairs Secretary of Phou State, everyone needs peace in the country but the government of Salva Kiir has infringed the right of expression and therefore South Sudanese lack voice to express their demand for peace in the country.
“article 24(1) of constitution of Republic South Sudan stated that every citizen shall have the right to the freedom of expression, reception and dissemination of information, publication and access to the press without prejudice to public order, safety or morals as prescribed by the law. This article is totally violated by the government of South Sudan because now there is no freedom of expression as citizens could voice out their interests about peace talks brokered by IGAD-plus in Ethiopia, capital Addis Abba.” Jal Duop Yang
Another member of Phou State, Mr. James Wichar Par, The Finance Advisor of the association, also advises the community and South Sudanese at large to work for sustainable peace in the country.
Par stresses that peace is the only way to bring South Sudanese together, urging that the “enemies of peace” must give peace a chance in the country.
