South Sudan army negotiate with renegade general – spokespercon
September 23, 2010 (JUBA) — South Sudan army said Thursday talks have started with one of three army officers who rebelled after April elections alleging fraud and manipulations in the first general polls after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
Kuol further said that Yauyau started the fight but seemingly “has learnt the wisdom that it is better to solve disagreements through peaceful settlement”. He also stressed the renegade contacted the local authorities asking to negotiate with the SPLA and called for a ceasefire.
Yauyau, from the Murele ethnic group in the largest state in southern Sudan, besides Lt. Gen. George Athor Deng, former Deputy Chief of General Staff for Political and Moral Orientation who is also rebelled in Jonglei and Colonel Gatluak Gai of Unity State; all contested the outcome of the elections and voiced their rebellion on the “rigging” of the elections.
Gen. Athor said last May he was coordinating with the two other rebels.
The SPLA accused its old enemy, Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) of supporting the renegade officers saying they serve to destabilize the southern region.
The southern Sudan authorities said last August they impounded in Upper Nile state, a Khartoum-destined cargo helicopter carrying men loyal to Gen. George Athor. However, Khartoum denied the accusation and the plane was moved to Juba for investigations.
In statements to Reuters today, YauYau minimized the importance of the contact with the southern Sudanese army saying he had received a letter from Pibor authorities but stressed there were no detailed discussions between the two parties.
“We have replied to them. This is the first step we have started with them. We have some burning issues to be amended,” he said. “If the letters continue to be positive, we can have some dialogue with them.”
The United Nations Mission in Sudan initiated contacts with Juba government and Gen. Athor last May offering to broker a peaceful settlement of the conflict. But the UN efforts failed as Juba considered that Athor was posing to many conditions.
SPLA spokesperson hoped today that talks with Yauyau would end his rebellion.
“We are hoping that Yauyau is honest in his intentions in calling for a ceasefire, and not using this as a manipulative tactic to buy more time,” the SPLA official added.
Last June, the SPLA clashed in Unity state with troops loyal to Colonel Galwak Gai and said eight of his men. The southern Sudan army further alleged that Galwak escaped into an area controlled by the Sudan Armed Forces in Heglig.
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Gatwech
South Sudan army negotiate with renegade general – spokespercon
GOSS and SPLA should be wise enough not to give chance to Jallaba to use these officers like Lt. General George Athor Deng from Dinka tribe, Col. Gatluak Gai from Nuer tribe and Hon. David Yauyau from Murle tribe.
The government and others know why these officers rebelled because of irregularities in the elections. It is not that they like to destabilize the South as such.
So, it would be wise to seriously talk to all of them and bring them back to the government and army because things may explode as we approach the referendum. We need them back or else…….
Malou Manyiel
South Sudan army negotiate with renegade general – spokespercon
I would be very appreciative to see this talks positive between the SPLA and the rebelled officers.
Please consider the followings:
1. Look at your skins first and put every thing beind
2. Remember what both of you fought for in 22 years
3. The fruits of your struggle is likely to be enjoyed and is
at the corner (Independence).
Therefore, we as Southern Sudanese does not want you again in the bush since you have been to the bush for long time. We will not be in the talks, but the spirit of all those who don’t want more death among ourselves and those who have seen the consequences of war will be in your midst.
May God bring undersatnding amongst you.
Nhial Reath Thoan
South Sudan army negotiate with renegade general – spokespercon
It very good idea Major General , now look U.S and all the rest of an International Community got our back not for the seek of one person /tribe stomach ;but for the seek of the Sudanese or South Sudanese in general if you like.
If U.S.A and his Western Allied got our back ,than let tech our selves ( specially you the Generals )how to negotiate positively in the things which are for common good of the people.
The same Democratic weakness ,Rule of law and Goodgovernance we put on NCP every days we will be judge with Tomorrow.
U.S is not afriend of South Sudan forever,but through Principle(Democratic Reforms,Rule of law and Goodgovernance.