Gen.Thomas Cirillo Swaka, the leader of the National Salvation Front (NAS), a new rebel group in South Sudan, expressed its readiness to participate in any initiative to restart the peace process, saying its might choose to embark on military operations to topple the government if there are no peace initiatives in the country.
In a letter addressed to the head of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki , Lt. Gen. Cirillo stated that the August 2015 peace deal has clearly failed, resulting in the current tragedy in the country.
The new opposition leader called on the East African regional bloc IGAD, the Troika and friends of South Sudan to restart the peace process in South Sudan.
“Without this, NAS might find itself in a situation where it has no other choice but embark on a military campaign to dislodge the regime in Juba,” he wrote.
Cirillo appealed to the African Union Commission to recognise his new opposition group, saying it is a genuine political force quickly building a broad-based grassroots support structure in South Sudan.
“NAS seeks peace, unity and prosperity for the people of South Sudan, and believes in a genuine and peaceful political process. In this pursuit, NAS hopes to be blessed by your recognition and support,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Cirillo, the former deputy chief of general staff for logistics, resigned from South Sudan’s army last month while telling President Salva Kiir “you have disgraced yourself” by subjecting the country to ethnic bias.
Photo: Thomas Cirillo Swaka, leader of the National Salvation Front (NAS)/Radio Tamazuj