The armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) led by South Sudan’s first vice president, General Taban Deng Gai joined the country’s ruling party (SPLM) after “exhaustive” consultations were held at different levels of the party, an official said Tuesday.
“The manner and form of rejoining the SPLM was found to be missing the final step, which was formation of the reunification committee,” Agel Riing Machar, spokesperson in the first vice president’s office, said.
On Monday, however, South Sudan's former labour minister, General Gathoth Gatkouth said he had formed a new group to challenge Gai, accusing him of dissolving the SPLM-IO faction without consultations.
But Agel stressed that the decision to dissolve the party and its structures on May 7, 2018, was a culmination of the intention set out under the leadership of the party’s highest organs.
“This is just but a simple process of housekeeping and formalization of intentions set out in the Arusha Agreement and the South Sudanese citizenry should not be misled about this crucial component in achieving sustainable peace in our country,” he said.
Agel further said Gatkouth’s request to become part of the SPLM-IO faction led by Gai in 2016 was accepted in the interest of peace and inclusivity.
“He was then appointed the minister of labour, public service and human resources. This is in spite of his many shortcomings,” he said.
Agel dismissed allegations that the first vice president was failing to put in place records of SPLA-IO fighters who have assembled for reintegration into the national army.
“The forces that are under the command of General Taban Deng Gai are undergoing the process of integration and a number of senior officers have been commissioned,” he said.
He added, “The smooth process of integration will inform the experience and process of integrating other forces when this component of the revitalized peace agreement comes into effect.”
“We wish to assure the people of South Sudan that the new dawn of peace has arrived. This is a time for reconciliation, trauma healing and rebuilding our identity as a nation.”
Taban Deng split from opposition leader Riek Machar following heavy fighting in Juba in 2016.