By James Innocent
At least 14 top commanders and other officers from the National Resistance Army (NRA) joined the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State.
A breakaway of the National Salvation Front (NAS), the rebel officers who have given-up fighting, were paraded to the public on Friday morning.
Along with them were other soldiers who expressed a desire for integration.
Major General John Lual, area Army commander, welcomed the forces, highlighting their decision to surrender as a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace in the country.
He advised the rebel commanders to remain calm and assured them that their role as part of the government army was to promote peace and unity among the South Sudanese people.
Yei River County Commander Emmanuel Taban Seme praised the commanders for responding positively to his call for peace, especially in light of the return of South Sudanese refugees from Uganda.
He stated that they would work together with the government to encourage others to come home, allowing the community to benefit from essential social services.
David Juma Augustine, the security coordinator of Yei River County, noted, “This is the result of Yei County commissioner’s tour that has resulted into peace through encouragement of worried forces in the bush to join the government so that we work together to end the long-suffering of the citizens.”
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Ronald Bakata, a leader among the surrendered, expressed gratitude for the peaceful reception they received.
He acknowledged the hardships faced by South Sudanese people living without access to proper education and social services.
“We denounced any violence and conflict in order for citizens to move freely with their territories,” he added.
“Today, I am urging those holding arms to come and join the army of SSPDF because we are tired of war and it’s a privilege to have a lasting peace with the people of South Sudan despite the suffering of the citizens who are in the refugees settlements and we have come fourteen in number as the rest are preparing to come with their families back so that they are reunited,” he noted.
The top commanders who surrendered include Brigadier General Ronald Bakata Lasu, Brigadier General Anthony Salah Andrew, Brigadier General Peter Bilali Dukuya, Colonel Imbiga Habib, and Major Martin Lai Juma.