July 30, 2021 — South Sudan’s main armed opposition, SPLM/A-IO, has issued a statement confirming that Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual has been removed and replaced with one of his deputies in Juba.
According to a statement issued by Col Lam Paul Gabriel this morning, the Chief of Staff has been removed and replaced with his deputy Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam; however, Lam claims that Gatwech remains a member of SPLM/A-IO who is waiting to come to Juba to take up a new position.
“During the meeting, the SPLA-IO command made it very clear that the situation in Magenis is an internal issue of the SPLA-IO. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, the Former Chief of General Staff is still an active member of the SPLM/A –IO being appointed as an Advisor to the President on Peace Affairs. Secondly, Lt. Gen. Johnson Ulony is still the Commander of Sector one of the SPLA-IO. Therefore, the SPLA-IO forces are directed to avoid relying on rumors and negative propaganda from social media. ” Col. Lam said.
Although the acting spokesman did not want to explicitly clear the air on the rumors, he reiterated that Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop is now the acting Chief of Staff and himself is the spokesman of the SPLA-IO, something Machar never confirmed through his numerous writings.
“The Meeting was called and Chaired by Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the Co-Chair of Joint Defense Board and the Acting Chief of General Staffs of the SPLA-IO.” Col. Lam stated.
Lam went on to reiterates that the SPLM/A-IO is still committed to the implementation of the peace agreement.
“The SPLA-IO remains committed to the Implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangement for a lasting peace in the County”.
Despite their commitment, Lam also acknowledged their vulnerability, saying they are being harassed and targeted in Juba by the security forces of their peace partner, President Salva Kiir.
“The SPLA-IO also noted the deteriorating security situation in Juba where SPLM/A –IO officials are being targeted, arrested and even shot at by security Agents of the SPLM -IG. This is not only an intentional violation but also a provocation of the highest order which is intended to derail the peace agreement. ” Lam continued.
