South Sudan to step up pursuit of renegade general
August 24, 2010 (JUBA) — The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) vowed to bring one of its generals who defected last May following his loss in the gubernatorial elections in Jonglei state against the incumbent governor Kuol Manyang Juuk last April.
SPLA spokesperson Kuol Deim Kuol speaking to reporters said that the South Sudan army seeks to assert security ahead of the referendum scheduled for early next year.
“I can tell you, we want to arrest him [General George Athor] alive or dead”, Kuol said before cautioning that the swampy terrain is slowing the process.
The general has been in hiding, emerging only for sporadic clashes with the army ever since his defection and recently the South Sudan government said it nabbed a helicopter carrying several of Athor’s soldiers and munitions on its way back to Khartoum.
Kuol disclosed that the army attacked the infamous rebel hideouts at Payakyak in Jonglei’s Khorfulus County this month, killing 39 of Athor’s soldiers. The rebels, however, managed to kill 2 army soldiers in the shootout.
The Undersecretary, Bior Ajang of the Ministry of SPLA Affairs, which is charged with designing the SPLA policies and handling administrative issues, said Athor will be tackled militarily in protecting the referendum.
“Fighting him to either get hold of him or kill him is what can help the people of southern Sudan,” Ajang said during the briefing alongside the SPLA spokesperson.
“I am opposing the idea of not fighting him to allow people go for the referendum,” he added.
South Sudan will hold a referendum on secession in January, and most analysts believe the under-developed region will opt for independence. Renegade attacks, tribal clashes and other insecurity have raised fears that conflict may spill over into neighbouring east Africa.
(ST)
Mabior Philip from Juba contributed to this report
murlescrewed
South Sudan to step up pursuit of renegade general
It would be unwise for SPLA to settle this issue militarily. This is a highly skilled general who will not be taken by surprise. It is important that SPLM sit down with Gen Athor and reach for a peaceful settlement to the conflict. Gen Athor is ready for the unity of Southern people and that is why he has refrained from attacking any targets that can be legitimately targeted.
Unless the SPLA is willing and ready to assume the responsibilities of escalating that war, it is logical that a peaceful path is exhausted before resorting to empty and reckless threats.
DASODIKO
South Sudan to step up pursuit of renegade general
SPLA please use cow tail only to kill the buzzing bugs!!! Since he is cut off from his masters in the North he is impotent to move.
Angelo Achuil
South Sudan to step up pursuit of renegade general
I think Athor will never be happy until he comes back. Yes, he can kill many people, but that will only makes him less and happier. Many had tried in the history of S. Sudan to defect and turned against their own people, but their end thereof is always, yes, ALWAYS regretful! Remember Kerubino & Riek.
okucu pa lotinokwan
South Sudan to step up pursuit of renegade general
Respect of dignity should be number one,Athor after failing the election he can not respect his dignity that why he let both side from SPLA soldiers and the inocent civilian to parish in Jonglei state.
For Shilluk Kingdom Lam Akol can not respect his dignity after lossing the post of Minister of foreign Affair he let innocent civilian also to parish in Upper Nile state.
since South sudan vowed to bring him back,it depend on the whether alive or death,but we want him alive to the southerners who has been behind him in supporting
Jamjamez
South Sudan to step up pursuit of renegade general
I think it is a very stupid Idea and poor leadership when you say that you will resolved this militarly. Last week the Apadang chiefs and leaders where in Juba to negotiate the settlement with the goverment, but they were ignored and nobody, not even a single official paid an attention to them. They went back empty handed. Immediately after that, the army ordered an attack on him. Many life were lost through this idea.
Everyone need to understand one thing, Athor is fighting for his life, he is not attacking. He is always being attack. why can we negotiate before any disaster? IF he happens to make his way to the North, then forget, we will be in a total mess! Remember he knows SPLA very well and all the tactics and he will be used by the opportunists in the North.
I belief we can settle this not in a military way. Lets negotiate please!
I am a concern citizen of southern Sudan.
Kur
South Sudan to step up pursuit of renegade general
It will take years to negotiate with all the thugs around. Athor needs to report to jail right away if he wants to save his life. Anybody willing to cause mayhem during the referendum is nonother than the devil himself. He must be remove promptly.
Kur