The SPLM-G11 member and former South Sudanese ambassador to the United States Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth is expected to join the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement/Army in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) today.
Hatem Kiwi, a member of the SPLM/A-IO told Radio Tamazuj that Ezekiel Lol, the former South Sudanese ambassador to the United States, had expressed his intention to hold a press conference on Monday to announce joining the armed opposition led by Riek Machar.
The SPLM-G11 is a group of 11 former political detainees who believe in achieving peace and stability in South Sudan by peaceful means. They were arrested and accused of treason by South Sudan president Salva Kiir. Ezekiel Lol was one of four put on trial in Juba but was later released.
Hatem, who is also the director of protocol for Machar, said Ezekiel Lol has been trying to persuade the SPLM-G11 to join the armed struggle, but they refused.
Hatem said Ezekiel Lol notified the other former detainees two days ago about his intention to join Machar.
File photo: Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth testifies during his treason trial in Juba.