December 9th 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – A senior rebel officer previously loyal to the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Gen. Khalid Butrus Bora has defected and join the South Sudan United Movement/Army (SSUM/A) led by Gen. Peter Gatdet Yaka according to a statement seen by the Nyamilepedia.
According to the statement dated 8th December 2018, the officer, Lt. Gen. Philip Stephen Dak Onwar, who was the Advisor for Political Affairs in the Khalid Butrus’ movement said he and his colleagues had abandoned the National Salvation Front – Khalid Butrus (NAS-KhB) in pursuance to their fight and struggle against tyranny and injustice.
“Believing in revolutionary actions and the struggle against injustice and tyranny in South Sudan, democratic action and the restoration of historical injustice, we declare our disunity from the National Salvation Front led by Lt. Gen. Khalid Butrus Bora,” the rebel officer said in a statement extended to the Nyamilepedia.
They said they have now joined the South Sudan United Movement and Army (SSUM/A) led by Gen. Peter Gatdet Yaka who is as well the newly elected leader of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
“We declare our joining the South Sudan United Movement led by Lt. Gen. Peter Gatdet Yak, and the Chairperson of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA),” the statement further added.
The statement further said they support and appreciate all the efforts exerted by the Sudanese government in achieving peace in the world’s youngest nation.
“We affirm our stand and support for the efforts of the Sudanese government to promote the peace agreement that has been achieved [in South Sudan],” the statement said.
The statement mentioned absence of institution, lack of credibility in administrative issues as well as what they termed as ‘coup against democracy’ and lack of transparency.
“Our split from the National Salvation Front stems from the practice of leading the non-democratic front by excluding the political and military leaders from participating in crucial decision-making,” the statement further added.
