According to Gen. Gatwech’s Press Secretary, the SPLM/A-IO Kit Gwang leader would become the second-highest-ranking military commander in South Sudan

By Lodu William

Gen. Simon Gatwech (lifting hand). [Photo: Courtesy]

The leader of the SPLM/A-IO Kit Gwang (SPLM/A-IO KD) faction, Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual will assume the role of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) as per the new peace agreement signed with the government in Port Sudan on Sunday.

This was revealed in a statement released by Gen. Gatwech’s press secretary, Nyang Gony Gai on Wednesday, outlining the details of the signed agreement.

According to Gony, Gen. Gatwech would become the second-highest-ranking military commander in South Sudan, following in the footsteps of the late Lt. Gen. Paulino Matip Nhial, who held the position before his passing in 2012.

In the statement obtained by The City Review, the Government of National Unity and the SPLM/A-IO Kit Gwang, led by Gen. Gatwech, announced the successful finalization of their peace agreement in Port Sudan, with representatives from the Sudanese government witnessing the historic signing on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Gen. Gatwech in his message to the members of SPLM/A-IO Kit Gwang and the people of South Sudan, and the general public, reiterated the movement’s unwavering commitment to the peace and stability of South Sudan.

He detailed that the SPLM/A-IO KD, formed in response to the South Sudanese people’s demand for peace, remains a committed advocate for the well-being of all citizens, continuously defending their rights and aspirations.

“In recent months, our leadership team has engaged with the government in Juba to resume critical peace negotiations,” stated Gen. Gatwech.

“The previous peace agreement collapsed due to a lack of political will among certain individuals who were not committed to peace,” he added.

“Following multiple meetings, facilitated by the Sudanese government, both parties have risen above the differences and prioritized the interests of our people, reaffirming peace as the essential solution to end our nation’s suffering,” Gen. Gatwech said.

He added that the agreement that has been reached contained several significant provisions aimed at promoting peace and stability in the country, which include; the SPLM/A-1O Kitgwang advance delegation travel to Juba for the operationalization of the peace deal.

This will follow with the reorganization and training of SPLA-IO KD forces into an official military formation.

“Integration of SPLA-IO KD forces into the national army and other security forces, including police, national security, wildlife services, and prisons,” the document read.

The agreement also confirmed the total forces of SPLM/A-IO KD at 21,900 personnel, with a 12-month timeline for training and reorganization. Any extensions will require mutual agreement from both parties.

SPLM/A-IO KD forces stationed at headquarters will be ready to travel to Juba ahead of General Gatwech’s arrival, the agreement dictates.

Meanwhile, Gen. Gatwech is expected to remain in Port Sudan until Phase One of the agreement is fully implemented.

“Remaining SPLM/A-IO KD forces will be directed to designated assembly areas for a four-month training period.”

Also, Gen. Gatwech will be appointed as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the SSPDF through a Presidential Decree before his arrival in Juba.

The SPLM/A-IO KD will receive key government positions at national, state, and county levels, ensuring greater representation in the government.

Both parties have agreed to allocate parliamentary posts in the national and state assemblies.

According to the statement, the successful completion of the peace agreement will see the gradual return of Gen. Gatwech to Juba, accompanied by Gen. Akech Tong, Director-General of the Internal Security Bureau, and officials from the Sudanese government.

However, he pointed out that the agreement is contingent on full implementation within 12 months. Should either party fail to meet the agreed-upon terms, the SPLM/A-O KD reserves the right to withdraw from the deal and nullify all associated provisions.

“We must remain united in this crucial moment for our nation,” Gen. Gatwech concluded, emphasizing the importance of moving forward with the peace process.

“In recent months, our leadership team has engaged with the government in Juba to resume critical peace negotiations,” stated Gen. Simon Gatwech, the leaders of SPLM/A-O KD.