Juba, South Sudan,
August 6, 2021 — The SPLA-IO Sector Two Commanders in Dingding Head Quarter of Unity State have denounced the self-imposed leader of the SPLM/A-IO, 1st. Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual and reaffirmed their full support to South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
Speaking to Nyamilepedia, one of the senior commanders, who requested anonymity, says a military emergency Parade was conducted this morning by sector-two commander, Gen. George Gatthouy Thaak Nyuon, and two Divisions commanders, major general John Turuk Kuay and his deputy major general Tito Biel Wich.
He said Sector Two in Dingding remains loyal to Dr. Riek Machar Teny despite all attempts by the former Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gatwech Dual, to sabotage the movement.
“The sector two still maintain the mission and version of the SPLM/A IO lead by the able leader Dr Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, first vice president of the Republic of South Sudan and Chairman and commander ship of the SPLM IO/A”, he said.
“today sector two released their position after the former chief of general staff 1st lt general Siman Gatwich Dual and cohorts declared themselves claiming to have ousted the chairman of the SPLM IO/A ” he added.
He stressed that their sector will continue rallying behind the Revitalized Peace Agreement for the betterment of the Republic of South Sudan and maintains loyal to South Sudan’s powerful opposition leader, Dr. Riek Machar.
The two leaders, Machar and his former chief of Staff, fell apart earlier this year when the military command began to raise questions over the implementation of the peace agreement; however, the gap continued to widen leading to suspensions and counter-suspensions.Â
While Gen. Gatwech suspended Machar’s right hand man, Maj. Gen. Dhilling Keak, Machar responded by dismissing the suspension of Dhilling and later on suspended Gatwech Dual and his spokesman, Brig. Gen. William Gatjiath Deng.
The armed opposition has been broiled in crises since 2015 leading to several defections; however, Machar remains committed to lead the opposition and to implement the peace agreement with his main rival, Salva Kiir.
