Kiir seeks to move talks with splinter faction from Khartoum to Juba

November 4, 2021 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is seeking to move to Juba peace talks with a group of Gen Gatwech Dual, former chief of staff of the SPLA-IO, pointing to the political crisis in Sudan.

Presidential security advisor Tut Gatluak told the Sudan Tribune on Wednesday he was in Khartoum where he participate in the ongoing efforts to mediate talks between Sudanese parties and to restore the civilian-led democratic transition.

Also, he underscored that the political crisis in Sudan may derail the progress made in Sudan’s brokered talks with a splinter group from the SPLA-IO led by Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual and Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo.

So, “This is the reason we came on the directive of his Excellency the President of the Republic of South Sudan General Salva Kiir Mayardit,” further said Gatluak who is the Presidential security adviser.

He disclosed that President Kiir want to move the discussions to Juba to avoid delay and achieve tangible progress.

“Our people want peace, and we need the views of General Gatwech with his brother Gen Johnson Olony. They are part of the peace process. They are very important people and their participation in the peace process is crucial,” he said.

The presidential adviser is heading a delegation comprising, Foreign Minister Mayiik Ayii Deng, Minister of Investment Dhieu Mathok, and other officials.

The South Sudanese officials are taking part in the meditation together with the African Union and UNITAMS.

Gatluak will meet Gatwech and Olony who are in Khartoum waiting for the government of Sudan to announce the date for the resumption of talks with the South Sudanese government.

The top armed opposition commanders split last from the SPLM/A IO led by Riek Machar Teny. The breakaway faction is led by Gatwech and Olony is his deputy.

The group accused Machar of failing to steer the movement in the right direction. They also protested the lack of the full implementation of the peace agreement, especially the security arrangements.

(ST)