By Emmanuel Mandella

A former top SPLA-IO commander from Western Equatoria has made a passionate plea for peace, urging other holdout opposition soldiers to lay down their arms and join the national reconciliation process.

Brigadier General Jimmy Sikpa, who recently defected to the national army along with 500 troops, said the time for war is over, and that the country must not fall back into violence.

In a video footage obtained by The City Review on Wednesday, Brig. Sikpa stated that the initial grievances which drove many Equatorians to rebel, especially the issue of military promotions, are now being addressed by the government.

“Some people deceived us that Equatorians would never be promoted within the organized forces, but look around, we are everywhere in the army now. The government has recognized and elevated several of our sons and daughters. Why should we keep creating insecurity in our own states and communities?” he said.

Brigadier Sikpa, who once commanded SPLA-IO forces in parts of Western Equatoria State, challenged his former colleagues to reassess their cause and reconsider the damage being inflicted on innocent civilians.

“Across South Sudan, there are whispers of war again but I ask, what is this war for?” he questioned. “This precious time should be dedicated to peace. I call upon all my fellow comrades to make peace a priority for the sake of our noble population.”

The general called on warning to holdout opposition leaders, particularly singling out former Western Equatoria State Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba.

“(Governor) Futuyo must join the peace process voluntarily, and move out from the bush,” he said.

Furthermore, Brigadier Sikpa complained about the current state of Western Equatoria from what he described as a once peaceful “Green State” into a region plagued by violence, tribalism, and fear.

“Our people are no longer farming. Roads are blocked, and ambushes are now common. This is not the Western Equatoria we knew. From today, let us choose peace over violence, for the good of our children and generations to come,” he said.

Sikpa’s defection comes in the wake of rising political tensions between government and opposition forces, including the recent killing of a senior SSPDF general in Nasir County by elements linked to the White Army.

Analysts say his move could signal a turning point in efforts to bring lasting stability to Western Equatoria, plagued by prevalent conflicts.