The case of Equatorian rebellion in South Sudan conflict

By Steve Paterno

December 10, 2014 – The current ongoing conflict in South Sudan for the most part has taken a tribal turn, pitting Dinkas against Nuers, with the rebel fighters made up of exclusively Nuers. However, of recent, in an effort to lure Equatorians into rebel ranks, rumours are abound that several generals who hail from Equatoria region have been defecting. Among the rumours is that a decorated Gen. Thomas Cirilo had defected, the news which turned out to be a mere lies meant to boost the morale of the rebels. Another rumour is that Gen. Martin Kenyi joined the ranks of rebellion, which might eventually change the dynamics of the conflict if it turns out to be true.

For starters, Gen. Martin Kenyi has a long history of defection. Joining SPLA/M in 1980s, Kenyi rose to the rank of a captain, serving as adjutant to Cdr. William Nyoun, the then chief of staff and deputy chair of SPLM/A. By 1992, Kenyi defected along Nyoun, joining the forces of Riek Machar, under Khartoum’s sponsorship.

Before long, Kenyi fell off with his boss, Cdr. William Nyoun. Several incidents triggered the fallout. Under intense suspicion, Kenyi’s Equatorian colleagues were attacked by their Nuers counterparts, resulting into ultimate death of Cdr. Rose Ezbon and injuring of Cdr. Aziz Atari Aziz. According to Martin Kenyi, a hit was also ordered against him by his boss Cdr. William Nyoun.

Therefore, Kenyi had to literally escape from the clap of his Nuers handlers. Kenyi went on to forming Equatorian Defence Force (EDF), with aim of protecting the interest of Equatorians. The EDF thrived under the sponsorship of Khartoum regime until 2003, when the outfit rejoined SPLA/M.

Now, with rumours of Kenyi’s defection, many questions can be asked. The answers of which will determine the course of future of this conflict. For example, will Kenyi join his former militia boss, Riek Machar or he will run an exclusive Equatorian rebellion, such as he did with EDF? How successful will he be in recruiting Equatorans into a fight, a feat that the current rebellion failed thus far? Will he open another front in Equatoria region? How much support will he receive, particularly from neighbouring countries?

Steve Paterno is the author of The Rev. Fr. Saturnino Lohure, A Romain Catholic Priest Turned Rebel. He can be reached at [email protected]