The South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A), led by the former Chief of Staff, Gen Paul Malong Awan, has reported the defection of politicians and military personnel from the South Sudan Strategies Movement (SSSM).
The statement released by the Secretary of ICT and Spokesperson of SSUF/A, Garang Malual Deng Yaak, said that the group, nine politicians and 17 military personnel, was led by Gen Pater Pio Ayii. A total of 27 people defected.
“South Sudan United Front (SSUF/A) is pleased to welcome the listed South Sudanese nationalists who have made the bold decision to join SSUF/A after dissolving their party (South Sudan Strategies Movement) SSSM, swearing their allegiance to the public and endorsement by the chairman and C-in-C, Gen. Paul Malong Awan,” read the statement.
“We are happy to welcome you to our great team that is committed to effecting change for the suffering populace. As part of the South Sudan United Front/Army membership, both in military and political wings respectively, our vision, mission, and objectives will be met collectively with the spirit of comradeship and collaboration. “
The SSUF/A Deputy Chief of Staff for Training and Research, Maj Gen, Eng Daniel Riak Mach, confirmed this, saying that the group was in Khartoum after they escaped from Juba.
“They are mostly from Ruweng Administrative Area, but they were based in Khartoum. They are led by Peter Pio Ayii,” Mach said.
Prior defection
Over three weeks ago, the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) chapter in Egypt disclosed that over 1500 members of the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Thomas Cirilo had joined them.
Thiep Tiek Arou, the spokesperson of SSUF/A in Egypt and the Middle East, said the group was led by Lt Gen Richard Lokose Loteka, who declared their defection on January 28, 2022.
The head of the splinter group, Lt Gen Richard Lokole Loteka, said they were joining SSUF/A for the betterment of South Sudanese.
“We are announcing officially (our breaking away) from NAS and joining SSUF/A with all our forces fighting men and women,” read the statement.
Loteka stated that they were eager to create harmony among the South Sudanese 64 tribes, promote national unity, tolerance and acceptance.
“I call upon all our officers, men and women, to adhere to these orders.” We are looking forward to working with your highly esteemed self, and command and waiting for your further directives and orders,” he said.
The SSUF/A deputy military spokesperson, Maj. Philip Deng Kuol Nguot confirmed the defection to their forces.
“We have confirmed and welcomed the massive defections of NAS members in the Arab Republic of Egypt to SSUF/A under the wise leadership of Gen. Paul Malong Awan. They were already being received by our chapter in Cairo,” Maj Nguot said.
“You know, their joining us is a testament to the mighty SSUF/A movement’s tenacity, zeal, and courage in changing the trajectory on which our beloved country has been revolving. That boldest decision taken by them will also encourage SSUF/A (to have) a hope of fighting for the fundamental rights of the South Sudanese and bringing back the very lasting peace in South Sudan.”
SSUF/A and Real SPLM are expected to resume talks with the government under the mediation of the community of Sant’Egidio soon.
In mid-December, 2021, Real SPLM, led by Pagan Amum, and SSUF/A, led by Paul Malong attended a workshop with government delegates in Nairobi, Kenya.
The meeting resolved that the two movements would be included in the ceasefire monitoring mechanism in March 2022. But the National Salvation Front, led by Thomas Cirilo, stood their ground by not joining the talks, claiming that there was no sustainable peace.
On Wednesday, the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) promised to support the Rome Talks for a lasting solution to be reached.
However, CTSAMVM however, reported that NAS has continued attacking civilians and that an immediate solution is needed.