SPLA-IO chief of general staff did not travel to Juba on Sunday

April 17, 2016 (JUBA) – The Chief of General Staff of the armed opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) has not travelled to Juba as earlier announced by his office.

A statement released from the military communication office on Saturday said First Lieutenant General Simon Gatwech Dual, the top army general in the opposition faction led by First Vice President designate, Riek Machar, would arrive in Juba on Sunday to prepare the ground for Machar’s arrival.

However, James Gatdet Dak, spokesperson in the office of the chairman and commander-in-chief, Machar, when contacted on Sunday said the Chief of General Staff had not travelled to Juba on Sunday, adding that he was rescheduled for Monday; the same Machar is also scheduled to return to the national capital in the afternoon.

“No, our Chief of General Staff, 1st Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, has not travelled to Juba on Sunday,” Dak said.

Government officials in Juba also confirmed that the opposition’s army chief did not come to Juba on Sunday, saying he may arrive on Monday.

The top military officer is expected to arrive in the capital ahead of the opposition’s top leader, Machar, and to assess the security situation on the ground before the opposition’s top leader could return to Juba.

Dak however said it is possible that both Dual and Machar can arrive in Juba on Monday with different flights.

He could not however confirm whether or not there could be changes in their planned arrival.

(ST)