SPLA-IO army chief, troops land in Juba
April 25, 2016 (JUBA) – The Chief of General Staff for the armed opposition (SPLM-IO), Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual and 121 soldiers and their weapons have landed in Juba.
Dual was received on arrival at Juba international airport by Taban Deng Gai, the lead negotiator armed opposition leadership during peace negotiation with the government.
Other senior armed opposition officials included Gen. James Koang Chol, Gen. Martin Kenyi and several low ranking officers.
The commander of the presidential guard division, Major General Marial Chanduong Yol and several officials from government attended the brief reception at Juba airport.
The SPLM-IO army chief, however. assured members of the public that his return signaled the return of peace and stability to the world’s youngest nation. The senior rebel further stressed that the people of South Sudan were one with one president.
“I have come today to the national capital of South Sudan. The message I have for you is that South Sudan is one. The people of South Sudan are one. The president of the South Sudan is one. Thank you very much,” he said, before he was whisked away.
Machar’s spokesperson, James Gatdet Dak said the rest of the remaining over 70 soldiers from the armed opposition faction would be picked later, but did not elaborate.
(ST)