By Nakwam Rose
At least 132 soldiers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – In Opposition (SPLM-IO) have emerged from hiding to embrace peace and pledge their loyalty to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Lobonok Payam, Central Equatoria.
Major General Lul Ruai Koang, SSPDF spokesperson, welcomed the group, thanking them for embracing peace among themselves.
He stressed that the SSPDF will only cooperate with those who are genuinely ready to embrace peace, citing the former SPLM-IO combatants as examples, but will not tolerate those who are not committed to reconciliation.
He urged that the SSPDF community would gladly welcome more former SPLM-IO members if they follow the correct procedure for surrender.
“We will not make peace with someone who escaped the country, we will not make peace with someone in prison, and we will not make peace with someone who is in hiding. We will make peace with a person who is straightforward in support of peace,” Koang noted.
“These people who have come looking for peace are exactly the ones that we want. If anyone calls saying they are from the IO and want to join the government, we will definitely say welcome,” he continued.
David John, the Director of Public Relations at the National Security Services, applauded the peace that has come to Lobonok and reminded the remaining SPLM-IO members in hiding to surface, stating there is no need for further conflict in the country. He emphasized the strong need to spread peace rather than engage in fighting.
“I want to inform the public that today, Lobonok is peaceful. There will be no other rebellion in Lobonok except for the National Salvation Front. I also call upon them, as our brothers, to please come and declare your allegiance to the government. There is no need for two armies or guerrilla groups,” he stated.
Brigadier General Peter Yugu, commander of the defecting SPLM-IO group, continuously urged the rest of those still in hiding to step out and join the path leading to peaceful and united governance.
“Let them come. Let them come to the barracks so that we can help each other,” Yugu stressed.
At least more than 300 soldiers, including commanders, from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) have defected to the SSPDF in previous months.
This recent wave of defections is reportedly triggered by the arrest of their supreme leader and co-founder, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.