The group said they had created a new inclusive national movement known as “NIM Peace Wing of Neem” to address their issues, following exclusion by SSUF leadership

By James Chatim

Eighteen individuals who were key leaders of the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) are on their way out to a new initiative that will partner with other groups in South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA).

According to an official statement signed by SSUF/A former Secretary General, Hon. Maulana Nyanthon Deng Rou, they had decided to quit the Gen. Paul Malong party to team up with other groups of the SSOMA due to ‘the leadership under Gen. Paul Malong Awan been quite centralized, and many important voices, including the Secretary General and other military and political leaders, nor being listened to well enough.’

The group said they had created a new inclusive national movement known as “NIM Peace Wing of Neem” to address their issues.

“As the unity of South Sudan is extremely important, the members of the front and the army, are excited to announce a new partnership with various groups of the SSOMA Alliance and others. This partnership is rooted in our commitment to human rights and good governance, values reflected in key international conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption,” the statement reads in part.

“Our leadership under General Paul Malong Awan Anei has been quite centralized, which means that many important voices, including our Secretary General and other military and political leaders, have not been listened to well enough. We are introducing a new initiative of the United Front and the South Sudan Army, namely the (inclusive national movement) ” NIM Peace Wing of Neem” to address these issues,”

The group said they had noted the slow-paced approach in the peace efforts. Meanwhile, the country faces many challenges, such as lack of coordination and mismanagement within the army.

“In addition, many of our compatriots in Sudan have suffered deeply and tragically at the hands of violence. Our government has not taken the necessary steps to address these grievances, which puts us all at risk and makes it difficult to treat each other with respect,” the statement said, adding:

“We speak for South Sudanese within our united army and border communities, who are increasingly worried about our chances for peace. Often, we do not recognize each other’s humanity and overlook our Constitution and shared values. Reflecting on our history, many individuals have misused their power, often influenced by outside pressures instead of focusing on what truly helps our people.”

According to the statement, the officials who had made exited and formed the new initiative include:

The Secretary General Maulana Nyanthon Deng Rou; Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Moses Sambo Dada; Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Angelo Kon Duang; Foreign Secretary, Hon. Cde Manyok Maketh Diing; Chief Executive of National Security, Brig. Cde. Yai Lual Nuer; Financial Secretary, Hon. Monykuer Chobeny Ayual Publicity and Information Secretary, Hon. Cde. Fagalanga Aleer Leek; Secretary of Mobilization and Public Opinion, Brig. Cde Tor Gai Malou; Secretary for the Qualification of Leading Cadres and; Brig Arok Tuil, the Secretary for Monitoring the Performance (SMP) of State Institutions: Brig Chol Dembek Deng.

Others include: Secretary for Conflict Resolution, Hon. Thomas Peter; Communications Secretary, Hon. Rajab Lami Lubay; Head sector of Australia, Hon. Cde Peter Bol Makuei; Head Sector of Canada, Brg Gen Tor Deng; Brig Gen Majok Mayom Thon; Hon. Nyok Payien Kuol 17; Col. Hani Anie Adok Deng and Col. Moses Ring Anyeil.

The officials listed five key issues as the reason for exiting the party, including that the newly formed United People’s Alliance, to which Gen. Malong was recently named deputy chairman, have unclear goals and mission from the SSUF.

They also said the alliance was set up without consulting the leaders. And that the coalition, which currently has two leaders, should have had the SSUF party leader as its leader.

The statement further noted that the group is concerned about the back up plan incase in case the Juba government pulls out of the peace talks in Nairobi. “We do not agree that war should be the possibility for our young nation, s there have always been better alternatives,” it said.

Finally, the statement said SSUF lacks communication and media coverage, thus the aggrieved members questioned why the party president’s position ‘shifted from  focus on peace to a more aggressive approach.’