An advance team of the SPLA-IO Kit-Gwang faction, led by Simon Gatwech Dual, arrived in Juba on Wednesday, following the signing of a peace agreement with the South Sudanese government in Sudan.
In a surprise move, Gen. Simon Gatwech signed the agreement on Sunday. The Sudanese military government played a key role in facilitating the talks between South Sudan’s warring factions.
Upon arrival, Gatluak Kuenywar, head of the SPLA-IO Kit-Gwang delegation, stated that the group had come to Juba in response to the peace agreement signed on February 2, and at the request of South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Kuenywar emphasized that the faction’s leader had agreed to engage in dialogue with the government and praised the National Security Service (NSS) for its instrumental role in facilitating the peace process that led to the agreement.
“A message from my chairman to the people of South Sudan is that he is committed to the terms of this peace agreement. This is why he sent us here—to contribute to the implementation of the agreed-upon terms,” Kuenywar said. “Our presence here today signifies our commitment to the peace agreement. We will work alongside the National Security Service to begin implementing the agreement, continuing until our Chairman arrives and assumes his position.”
Musa Gatluak, the spokesperson for the group, also expressed gratitude to Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for his key role in brokering the peace deal.
“I would like to thank Chairman al-Burhan for his honesty during the negotiations, which concluded on February 2,” Gatluak said. “Under the leadership of Simon Gatwech, we are here to send a message of peace to the people of South Sudan, who have endured years of conflict.”
Gatluak continued by conveying General Simon Gatwech’s message: “The time has come for us to unite and bring peace to our country. The people, weary from years of war, deserve to return to their areas and live in peace. Our presence here is proof of our commitment to the signed agreement. We are here as an advance delegation to begin the implementation of this agreement.”
David John Kumuri, spokesperson for the National Security Service, also highlighted the efforts of General Akec Tong Aleu, Director General of the Internal Security Bureau, who led the negotiations that culminated in the peace agreement.
Kumuri noted that as part of the deal, General Simon Gatwech and his forces would be integrated into South Sudan’s national army. “This is a crucial step, and arrangements for the final arrival of General Simon Gatwech Dual will be made soon,” he said. “He will be received in Juba to conclude the military integration into the South Sudan People’s Defense Force.”
Kumuri also reassured the advance team of their safety in Juba, saying, “The National Security Service remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity and national interests of South Sudan, while fostering peace, security, and harmony. I want to assure you all that the security situation in Juba is normal, and you are safe here.”