A prominent member of Jieng (Dinka) Council of Elders (JCE) said Monday the council welcomed the return of SPLA-In Opposition Chief of Staff Simon Gatwech Dual.

General Bona Dhol reaffirmed the Council's commitment to the peace deal. The JCE is a group of influential Dinka politicians who serve as advisors to President Salva Kiir. It is not a group of traditional leaders or chiefs.

“The council welcomes the coming of the SPLA-IO chief of staff," said Dhol. "It is a positive development towards the implementation of the peace agreement. Peace does not get itself implemented when people are not sitting and talking in the same place."

“The stance of the council on the implementation of peace is unshakable," he added. "We urge the citizens to support the parties to work together to resolve all the matters amicably in order to move the country forward."

Gatwech arrived ahead of the expected return of SPLA-IO leader Riek Machar. Machar said he will return after Gatwech lands in Juba.