S. Sudanese rebels refute formation of separate movement for Equatorians

November 26, 2014 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese armed opposition faction of the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) has refuted allegations suggesting that one of their senior commanders was forming a separatist movement, particularly for the people of Greater Equatoria region.

An anonymous source claimed to be a senior military intelligence officer allied to president Salva Kiir on Monday told Sudan Tribune that another rebel group was being formed in the neighbouring Uganda to fight for total separation of Greater Equatoria region from the rest of South Sudan.

Another anonymous source claimed to be a possible nominee for spokesperson of the new alleged rebel group also purportedly explained the circumstances surrounding reluctance by the Ugandan government to recognise the formation of the new group.

The source named Martin Kenyi as the overall military commander, but it remains unclear who would lead the political wing of the group or whether Kenyi would assume full control.

“At the moment the military leadership is completed. The other structures will fill up soon. We want first of all to complete the drafting of the manifesto, which will come out soon,” the source claimed.

However, SPLM-IO under the leadership of the former vice-president, Riek Machar, denied the allegations, saying Martin Kenyi is one of their commanders based in Equatoria region.

“Commander Martin Kenyi is one of our senior military leaders based in Greater Equatoria region. He has not formed a separate movement. The allegations are unfounded and misleading,” said Machar’s spokesman, James Gatdet Dak.

He said the rebel movement has already established several military camps in Greater Equatoria region, but declined to provide further details.

(ST)