South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) Nairobi Declaration, a breakaway faction from General Paul Malong Awan’s party has denied claims that 476 of its officers joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Riek Machar.
“We refute these allegations and urge for patience and understanding as we continue to implement the peace process with the government,” said a statement issued by SSUF/A-ND under the leadership of Gen. Dickson Gatluak Jock Nyuot over the weekend.
It acknowledged the defection of three officers to the SPLA-IO.
Last week, the SPLA-IO fifth infantry division claimed that 476 from SSUF/A fighters under the overall command of Brig. Gen Tut Ruach Gith joined them in Wangkuarbii area of Upper Nile State.
“We are dismayed by these actions, especially considering the SSUF/A-ND recently signed a peace agreement with the government of the Republic of South Sudan, outlining plans for assembly and integration our forces into SSPDF,” it said.
SSUF/A-ND reaffirmed its commitment to the provisions outlined in the agreement signed on January 28th 2024 with the government.
“SSUF/A-ND stands firm in its pursuit of peace agreement and cooperation with the ruling party under the leadership of the SPLM chairman and Commander-in-chief of the SSPDF, recognizing that stability can’t be achieved through defections,” it said.
The SSUF/A-ND was formed on January 28, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya after breaking away from SSUF/A led by ex-army chief, Paul Malong Awan.
More than 10 former SSUF/A under Malong from Upper Nile, Bahr El Ghazal, and Equatoria regions signed a new declaration as members of the SSUF/A Nairobi Declaration.
