Authorities in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, are urging rebel groups to abandon violence and return to peace talks following the surrender of three SPLA-IO soldiers to government forces in Morobo County. The soldiers, who were operating with SPLA-IO forces in Panyume, surrendered their weapons to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Jambo over the weekend. They expressed their willingness to join the government and support the peace process.
The SPLA-IO forces in Panyume, Morobo County, are commanded by Major General John Mabieh Gar, who serves as the overall commander of SPLA-IO in Central Equatoria State and leads their mobile forces. Gen. Mabieh reaffirmed his full support for Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, citing Oyet’s leadership as rooted in the authority vested in him by SPLM-IO Chairman Dr. Riek Machar.
Colonel Majak Amuom Abenj, military intelligence officer in charge of Greater Yei, confirmed the surrender and urged people to work for peace ahead of the elections. He stated that the three soldiers surrendered themselves to the government from the SPLA-IO on Friday and were in the Panyume area. They surrendered with their weapons at the Jambo barracks along the Yei-Morobo Road.
Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme welcomed the soldiers’ decision, citing President Salva Kiir’s general amnesty as open to those willing to abandon armed struggle and return home. He urged rebels to pursue dialogue through local leaders, assuring them of their safety if they choose to return home. Commissioner Taban added that President Kiir’s amnesty remains open, and those who want to come back home are warmly welcomed.
Mading Jok Tep, one of the rebels who surrendered, reported being welcomed and feeling safe under government forces. He appealed to his colleagues still in the bush to follow his example and embrace peace. Tep stated that from the day they arrived, they were served food and were not subjected to any torture or detention.
Jueng Kuodoworu, a former rebel, said the desire for peace motivated his decision to surrender. He urged other fighters to stop the killings and help secure a better future for the next generation. Kuodoworu stated that there are a lot of difficulties in the bush, no food, and necessities, and that they need peace in South Sudan.
The authorities in Yei River County are optimistic that more rebels will follow the example of the three soldiers who surrendered. They believe that the general amnesty and the desire for peace will encourage others to lay down their arms and join the peace process. The surrender is seen as a positive step towards achieving peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- Authorities in Yei River County urge rebel groups to abandon violence and return to peace talks following the surrender of 3 SPLA-IO soldiers.
- The surrendered soldiers expressed their willingness to join the government and support the peace process.
- President Salva Kiir’s general amnesty remains open to those willing to abandon armed struggle and return home.
