South Sudan’s rebel REMNASA merges with SPLM-IO
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
October 28, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – An opposition group from Western Equatoria state, Revolutionary Movement For National Salvation (REMNASA) declared on Wednesday its merger with the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement-In- Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by first vice-president designate, Riek Machar.
Wednesday’s agreement is a follow-up of a first meeting held last June where a delegation of REMNASA met with the SPLM-IO leadership.
In June, the two groups discussed how the political and military organizations can forge together a unity that can effect fundamental change to the lives of South Sudanese.
They have agreed to merge the two forces under the command of the SPLA-IO.
The agreement also entails reconciliation and healing which the officials said was key to nation building.
At the signing ceremony, REMNASA leader, Martin James Cleto, said his group has come to a decisive conclusion that this war cannot be won single-handedly.
“With this agreement we need to bring everybody on board no matter what difference we got, we still need to engage and negotiate for the sake of the people of South Sudan,” said Cleto.
As the merger now is effective, the REMNASA will honour the compromised peace agreement and will stop fighting against government troops unless Juba provokes in breach of peace deal, said Cleto.
“The more we are united the better we will address issues of South Sudan,” he further told Sudan Tribune .
From his side, Odwar said the merger between the two forces is one of the serious efforts by SPLM-IO to bring together all the armed opposition groups under one umbrella in order to chart a roadmap for achieving a just and peaceful country.
He said his group would remain committed to honour and implement signed agreements.
“As a more united SPLM/A-IO we pledge to remain committed to bringing a just and lasting peace to the South Sudan,” he said, adding “We affirm our commitment to the agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan”.
The SPLM-IO chief negotiator said their doors are open for other South Sudanese opposition groups to join their movement.
He added that the SPLM-IO is currently in negotiations with the former SPLM detainees to bring them on board.
Opposition forces, known as Aguelek led by Major General Johnson Olony joined the SPLM-IO last July after discussions in Kenya .
(ST)