Ex-presidential advisor responds to amnesty after rebellion

By Ngor Arol Garang

October 2, 2011 (JUBA) – Sultan Abdel Bagi Ayii Akol a former presidential advisor to South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, has accepted his offer of an amnesty and called off his rebellion against the government of the fledgling country .

Ayii is the third high ranking dissident to respond to Kiir’s amnesty, which he reiterated when he became the independent Republic of South Sudan’s first president on July 9.

His return follows Colonel Gatluak Gai, General Peter Gadet and David Yauyau in accepting the amnesty and either integrating their forces in to South Sudan army the SPLA, or disarming.

Former SPLA General George Athor Deng continues to lead the most significant rebellion in Unity and Jonglei state. Other active rebel groups include Koang and Oliny whose forces launched a surprising and devastating attack on Malakal town, capital of the Upper Nile state, on 12 March 2011, resulting into the death of a nearly 100 people including civilians.

The aging Ayii, who returned on Friday, via Nairobi, Kenya, announced his rebellion in 2010 in Khartoum, weeks after departing Juba allegedly for medical leave following disagreements with President Salva Kiir over national politics including endorsing a candidacy of General Paul Malong Awan Anei for gubernatorial position in his home state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

He also claimed president Kiir was neither listening nor taking appropriate actions on advice he offered as presidential advisor on peace, border and traditional affairs. The one-time member of the presidential electoral campaign team during the 2010 chaotic general elections demanded 30% representation for Muslims at all levels of government including judicial system the legislative assemblies. He also demanded establishment of special courts for Muslims in South Sudan.

However, as rebel, Ayii manage to capture significant territory in his home region of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, which borders the northern Sudanese region of Darfur.

He is reported to have helped other active rebel groups in coordinating financial assistance and logistical support from their political sympathisers. Juba has repeatedly claimed Khartoum has backed South Sudan’s rebels both before and after independence on July 9. Khartoum has always denied this.

Ayii had attempted to fight a war through the media issuing combative and
repeated warnings urging civilians along the North-South border to leave the area. He claimed that it was only a matter of time before his forces would take over most parts of greater Bahr el Ghazal which he would use as base for launching offensive attacks against Juba.

Reacting to his return, Daniel Awet Akot, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly said welcomed rebel groups who are responding to the amnesty offer.

“The government is welcoming all rebel groups. The amnesty which the president offered to them is still valid. This signifies commitment of the government of South Sudan to making peace and reconcile with those political dissidents”, said Akot.

“I only heard that Sultan Abdel Bagi Ayii Akol has returned and his now in Juba with us. This is good decision I congratulate him and the people of Mading Aweil for bringing him”, said Akot.

“I welcome his return”, he added.

Sudan Tribune twice attempted to interview Ayii but both times found that he was sleeping at his residence.

(ST)