South Sudan United Front (SSUF) has downplayed Lewis Anei's defection to government saying their fight against the Kiir administration will continue.
Lewis Anei Madut Kuendit, a senior member of the SSUF faction led by South Sudan’s former military chief Gen. Paul Malong Awan, returned to Juba this afternoon.
Sunday de John, spokesman of the rebel group South Sudan United Front, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that Mr Anei decided to abandon them.
"Maybe Anei has reached an agreement with his community. Anei’s return to Juba does not represent SSUF and his agreement does not concern SSUF,” he said.
Sunday downplayed Anei's defection as 'insignificant.'
"Anei's move might have been driven by personal satisfaction. Our movement has clear objectives. Our objective to fight Kiir continues," he added.
Sunday pointed out that his rebel group did not hold talks with the government.
Meanwhile, the president’s spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny described the return of Lewis Anei as significant.
Ateny told reporters at Juba Airport that Mr Anei abandoned rebellion in response to the general amnesty offered by President Salva Kiir.