Athor seeks modification on executive pardon over fate of his forces

By Ngor Arol Garang

December 18, 2010 (ABYEI) – General George Athor Deng Dut, senior member of the southern army – the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) – who rebelled against the regional government he failed to become governor of Jonglei state, in the last April’s elections, said Saturday he needs clarifications on the executive pardon issued to him and his forces.

In October, South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, issued an executive order pardoning some of the south’s armed groups that were not part of, or had splintered from, the SPLA.

The presidential decree issued on Wednesday 6 October, 2010, covered General Athor, Gabriel Tanginya, Thomas Mabior Dhol, Colonel Gatluak Gai, and Colonel Robert Gwang among others. The order, however, said that the armed forces covered by the amnesty must lay down their arms before beginning the process of integration into the southern army.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune from his base in Korfulous on Saturday, Athor, a former Deputy Chief of General Staff for political and moral orientation for the SPLA, said he was committed to a peaceful dialogue with leaders from the government of the semi autonomous region of south Sudan but need the president to modify the order to give breathing space to his forces.

“We are committed to peaceful dialogue with the government of south Sudan because peace is what our people want,” said General Athor admitting that he has met with a delegation from the government of south Sudan led by Episcopal Bishop Daniel Deng Bul.

“Because of our commitment to peace in order to reach peaceful settlement over demands that [are] being negotiated, I have met the delegation sent by the government of south Sudan on Wednesday 15 and have assured them of our commitment to peaceful dialogue,” said Athor.

Dok James Puok, spokesman of the renegade group in an interview with Sudan Tribune from Malakal town on Saturday also confirmed the meeting of the South Sudan delegation with General Athor but said needs President Kiir to modify amnesty he issued in October so as to accommodate fate of their forces.

“Yes, the delegation of the government of south Sudan met General Athor on Wednesday. This was after our delegation met him first on Tuesday to brief him on the processes of negotiation,” said Dok James Puok.

The official spokesman said they have discussed all their demands and raised concerns on the condition, which required forces of the General Athor to lay down their arms before joining SPLA forces.

“Some of the issues we discussed with delegation of the government of south Sudan were simple issues but one of our major concerns is the fate of our armed forces because the amnesty was not clear. The president needs to make it clear so that it covers the fate of our forces,” said Dok.

On his part, Bishop Daniel Deng Bul said: “Yes, we have met General Athor and held successful discussions with him and his team.”

The bishop, however, said he had returned to Juba to brief President Kiir about meeting they had with General Athor and to seek way forward over the issues they discussed.

“We have come back to brief president about our meeting with General Athor and to seek way forward,” said Bishop Bul declining additional comments.

Kiir is attempting to unify the south politically and military ahead of the regions self determination referendum in January.

(ST)