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JUBA - 29 May 2018

Associate of ex-army chief abandons armed struggle

 Lual Akeen Akec, a former presidential guard officer and associate of the former army chief of staff, Paul Malong Awan has decided to abandon rebellion, citing community efforts and presidential assurances that he would be protected and returned to service.

“I decided to return in respond to the efforts of the community elders and the assurance of protection and return to service from the office of his Excellency the President of the Republic and the Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA forces and supreme commander of all other regular forces, General Salva Kiir Mayardit. When I left, it was not because I rebelled against the government but because of concern for my safety and to avoid the constant building of frictions and tensions,” said Lual on Monday.

Lual was initially arrested by the national security officials over links with the former army chief of staff, Paul Malong Awan who fell out with President Salva Kiir after he was removed from his position in May 2017.

 The former presidential guard went to neighboring Uganda after being released.

Deng Bol, an official from Lol state hailed Lual’s decision to abandon rebellion and return to the country. “We welcome him back to his homeland,” he said.