By Yiep Joseph
Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony, former leader of the SPLA-IO Kitgwang Agwelek faction, has been appointed as the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Mobilization and Disarmament.
In his new role, Johnson Olony will focus on disarming illegal firearms held by civilians across the country.
He will also work to permanently dismantle illegal checkpoints on roads and along the River Nile. Additionally, he will be tasked with any other responsibilities assigned to him by the leadership of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
According to the statement extended to the media, Army Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang revealed only new tasks, including disarmament.
“The national army wishes him (Johnson Olony) success and good luck as he (Johnson Olony) assumes his assignment under the following terms: disarm illegal firearms in the possession of the civil population countrywide,” the statement partly read.
On behalf of the SSPDF command, rank & file Lul welcomed General Olony, adding that some of his new assignments include the removal of illegal roadblocks as well as checkpoints along the Nile River.
This assignment came at a time when the South Sudanese government and the President, in particular, have engaged in several talks with Olony in regards to forces integration for peace and stability.
During his first visit to Juba in 2023, nearly 10 years since his rebellion in 2013, General Johnson Olony vowed to work with President Salva Kiir to restore peace in the country.
Speaking to reporters at Juba International Airport during his arrival, Olony said he has come to Juba for the implementation of the peace agreement that he signed with President Kiir.
On January 16, 2022, the SPLM/A-IO breakaway Kit-Gwang faction signed a peace agreement with President Kiir in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, to end armed clashes in the Upper Nile region.
The peace deal guarantees the implementation of the security arrangements and a permanent ceasefire and grants the Kit Gwang faction amnesty, containment, and reintegration of the breakaway SPLA-IO forces into the South Sudanese Peoples Defense Forces (SSPDF).
In 2024 the Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga, recommended serious civilian disarmament in Warrap State to reduce the cases of insecurity perpetrated by the armed youth.
“Number one is, let the people be disarmed. See Lakes State now; it has been disarmed, and I think it is like heaven on earth,” he said.