SPLM-IO governor of Fashoda denies members’ defection to Gai
August 11, 2016 (FASHODA) – Governor of Fashoda state, Major General Jukino Fedel Nyikayo, has denied that some members of Collo [Shilluk] community have defected to Taban Deng Gai, the newly appointed First Vice President.
Speaking over satellite phone interview on Thursday, Fedel told Sudan Tribune that the entire Collo community of Agwelek is in full support of Machar, describing what happened in Juba as a plan to scrap the peace deal by other groups and the government.
Last month, a group of Chollo in Juba claimed to be from the armed Agwelek, declared allegiance to Gai as the leader of the SPLM-IO, but the armed opposition governor denied any link to the group and referred them as “Juba street members.”
“I take this opportunity to warn our members to disassociate themselves from those persons who claim to be our members as they associate with the government and do not represent the SPLM-IO leadership,” he said.
However, the ten members who claim to be SPLM-IO in support to Machar successor include Gabriel Thukol Deng, Ambrose Akwech Ayang, Jackline Joel Jago, Samuel John Chol Ayiik, Catherine Peter Laa, William Ezekiel Kujo, Athiyed Okich Alak, Daniel Odok Deng, John Odhong Adaing and Paulino Obach Lual.
Governor Fedel has dismissed the group and said they do not have any link with the SPLA-IO forces on the ground.
He warned those against peace to refrain from cheating South Sudanese that they have military support in different units across the country.
Governor Fedel called on the IGAD and UN for quick deployment of regional troops under the United Nations mission mandate, adding any delay to this may result to the full scale war in South Sudan.
He accused forces allied to President Salva Kiir of continuing to attack the SPLA-IO positions around Juba and across the country and warned that should they continue with the offensive this may force their forces to take control of Juba and other states capitals.
(ST)