A rebel group from Western Equatoria state calling itself the Revolutionary Movement for National Salvation (REMNASA) announced its merger on Wednesday with the SPLM/A-In-Opposition led by Riek Machar after three days of talks.

In a joint statement seen by Radio Tamazuj, the two movements said they share a vision of unity among tribes of South Sudan, freedom, and democracy. The two sides confirmed their commitment to support the recently signed peace agreement by President Salva Kiir and Machar.

The merger was signed in Addis Ababa between Henry Odwar, who is head of the SPLM-IO negotiating committee, and REMNASA leader Martin James Cleto.

But Western Equatoria Minister of Information Daniel Zingifuaboro denied the existence of REMNASA in the state. He said the armed groups that have been fighting against the government in Yambio, Maridi, and Mundri Counties have no links with REMNASA.

He claimed they talked to the armed groups who denied any links with REMNASA or rebels led by Riek Machar.

For his part, Daniel Abuja, the head of the Greater Equatoria Youths, also denied the existence of a rebel movement calling itself REMNASA in Western Equatoria. He said the opposition group fighting the government is called “Arrow Boys” in Yambio, Maridi, and Mundri counties.

Photo: REMNASA and SPLM-IO held a press conference in Addis Ababa