Yai Puoc, former minister of cabinet affairs in Upper Nile along with other nine politicians have declared their loyalty officially to the SPLM-Juba of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Tuesday, after having previously being with the rebels.

In a press conference, the former rebels, who include former state ministers and county commissioners, accused the opposition group of fighting in order to gain power instead of working for public interest.

“The reason of our defection from the rebel is that they do not have a clear vision to challenge the president,” Yai said.

"We wanted to make sure that peace and stability are restored in South Sudan," according to the former cabinet minister.

He further claimed that they have had good communications with senior SPLA-IO commanders on the front lines, and claimed they will make a surprise in the coming days.

In August, former minister of education and member of Upper Nile parliament James Khan Jok also pledged his allegiance to Kiir after claiming to abandon the rebels.

Radio Tamazuj Photo: Press conference where former rebels announce allegiance to SPLM-Juba

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