S. Sudan rebels elect new leader after George Athor’s demise
January 9, 2012 (JUBA) – The National Liberation Council (NLC) of South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army (SSDM/A) on Sunday announced it had elected Lt. Gen. Peter Kuol Chol Awan as the new leader of the south-based rebel outfit.
Lt. Gen. Awan replaces George Athor, the SSDM/A‘s former leader who was mysteriously killed on December 18, 2011 by a Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) unit in Morobo county, Central Equatoria, where he is alleged to have embarked on a recruitment drive.
The rebels later issued a controversial statement which claimed that their leader was killed by the Ugandan government, but both the South Sudanese government and Kampala deny Uganda was involved.
A statement from the rebel headquarters describes Lt. Gen. Awan as “a very experienced fighter and a shrewd politician who has been tested in the field”. He is reportedly a graduate in theology and social work from Nairobi University, Kenya.
“His political experience and military capabilities are seen as assets to liberate the people of South Sudan from corruption lords in Juba”, reads the SSDM/A statement.
Upon his election, the rebels say their new leader pledged full allegiance to the movement’s course, and urged the people of South Sudan to unite behind the Southern Sudanese revolutionary forces fighting to liberate the new nation from the “clique of criminals” that run the country.
He reportedly vowed to fight for liberty, justice and democracy in the newly independent South Sudan.
Meanwhile, SSDM/A has completely dismissed reports that it had embarked on negotiations with the government, both at the state and national level, following the death of its leader.
“We would like to inform the media that the SSDM/A is not negotiating with the Jonglei state government nor [South Sudanese President] Salva Kiir. It came to our attention that the government of [Jonglei Governor] Kuol Manyang is spreading lies in the media that it is negotiating with soldiers of our Movement. That information is a blatant lie which has no grain of salt,” further reads the statement.
In a rather bizarre revelation, the rebels also urge civilians to avoid visiting Malakal, in Upper Nile state and Bor, the Jonglei state capital, warning of a series of “surgical operations” they plan in these towns, including Juba, the South Sudan capital.
However, a spokesman for the southern army has dismissed the new developments within the rebel camps as mere propaganda, saying that the SPLA is prepared to deal with at any threats to national security.
“If they [SSDM/A] has appointed a new leader, then that’s their own business. Our mandate is to protect our people and ensure peace and security,” Phillip Aguer told Sudan Tribune on Monday.
(ST)