Advance team of South Sudan rebel defectors in Juba for talks

January 4, 2015 (JUBA) – An advance team of rebel defectors from South Sudan’s armed opposition (SPLM-IO) arrived in the the national capital, Juba from Kenya on Monday, barely a week after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Juba government.

The group led by Gabriel Yoal Dok was received on arrival at 5:00pm at Juba International Airport by security officials comprising presidential adviser Tut Gatluak, director general for internal security bureau, Akol Koor Kuc, Director General external security bureau Thomas Duoth and his deputy Paul Majok.

Other high level goverment officials included health minister, Riek Kok and all the governors of the new state predominantly ethnic Nuer from Upper Nile region.

Speaking at the reception, presidential adviser, Tut Gatluak told press that the arrival of the advance team of rebels loyal to Peter Gadet and Gabriel Changson Chang, marked the beginning of the end to war and the return of peace and stability to the country.

“The coming of our brothers is very important in ascertaining lasting peace in the country. It means the end of war. As the government, we want to close the chapter of war and open the chapter of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness in the country. This is the project which president Salva Kiir has opened with full commitment to implementing the peace agreement. The coming of these brothers will now consolidate peace and it will bring stability”, explained Gatluak.

Gordon Buay, a South Sudanese diplomat and its mission in United States and one of the government officials who was at the airport for reception of the group, described their return as an encouraging and strategic step in consolidating peace in the country.

“The coming of the group loyal to General Peter Gadet and General Gathoth Gatkuoth means that peace is finally coming to the country. You know these were the generals who were the leaders of the fighting force of the rebel and if they remain out of the peace process, it means there will never be a complete peace”, he told Sudan Tribune.

On his part, however, the leader of the delegation of the group, said their coming to Juba as an advance of the rebel defectors was an indication of their commitment to settling the more 21-months conflict through peaceful dialogue.

(ST)