The advance team of the SPLA-IO breakaway group that signed a peace deal with Yei authorities arrived in Yei town recently for implementation of the signed peace deal.
Last week, the group signed a security matrix mediated by Bishop Elias Taban of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
Speaking to reporters in Yei town, the head of the advance team, Brigadier General Yuma Sebastian said it is high time to implement the signed peace agreement.
“If you fight your brother, at the end you reconcile and stay in peace. I just want to request all of you to consider ourselves together like what were some few years back. I have come to join hands with the security committee to work together and bring peace,” he said.
Sebastian claimed that none of the armed groups that were operating in Yei were under the leadership of former First Vice President Riek Machar, saying peace will prevail in the area after the recent peace deal.
For his part, the SPLA army commander in Yei, Brigadier General Chol Deng Chol expressed commitment to fully cooperate with the opposition army leadership to implement the peace agreement.
“Let us be one in the state and develop single working strategy. I am very happy about your arrival. We want governors out of you. Let’s work together for a better Yei River State,” said Chol.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Yei State, Agustino Kiri welcomed the group and reiterated support for a sustainable peace in Yei River State.
“Welcome back Brigadier Yuma Sebastian and the team. We are going to work together to make sure that a sustainable peace is achieved in Yei. We will cooperate and provide all the necessary support for this implementation matrix without difficulties,” he said.
In March 2017, Bishop Elias Taban with support from support from the US-based organization His Voice Global signed a peace deal with an armed group in Kampala.