Press statement: Defection of Peter Gatdet and Gathoth Gatkuoth from Riek Machar’s Camp
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Peter Gatdet and Gathoth Gatkuoth Defection from Riek Machar’s Rebel movement (PDF–press statement)
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PRESS CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C BY SOUTH SUDAN EMBASSY TO INFORM THE AMERICAN PUBLIC
Date: August, 12, 2015
13 Generals named below, plus many Nuer Politicians Dismissed Riek Machar from SPLM/A-IO.
Six Generals announced in a press conference in Khartoum – Sudan the dismissal of Dr. Riek Machar Teny from the leadership of SPLM/A-IO. The press conference in Khartoum on August, 11, was attended by:
1. Maj. Gen. Peter Gatdet Yaka,
2. Maj. Gen. Gabriel Tanginye,
3. Brig. Gen. Chuol Gakah,
4. Maj. Gen. Gathoth Gatkuoth,
5. Maj. Gen. Malith Gatluak,
6. Brig. Gen. Gatwec Puoc.
Also, many politicians of SPLM/A-IO are confirmed to support the dismissal of Riek, including:
(a) Mr. Gabriel Changson Chang,
(b) Mr. Timothy Tot Chol.
Other army generals who are on the ground in South Sudan (as announced by the six generals in Khartoum) are also part and parcel of the declaration of dismissal of Dr. Riek Machar, these include:
7. Maj. Gen. Simon Gatwec Dual,
8. Maj. Gen. Chayout Manyang,
9. Maj. Gen. Kor Chuol Giet,
10. Brig. Gen. Otong Liah,
11. Brig. Gen. Duoth Lam,
12. Maj. Gen. Karlo Kuol, and
13. Maj. Gen. Johnson Olony.
The Generals stated in the attached document dated 10 August 2015, signed by Maj. Gen. Peter Gatdet Yaka in his capacity as Deputy Chief of General Staff for Operations of SPLM/A-IO (defying his dismissal by Riek), announced that “We have lost confidence in the leadership of Riek Machar and he has ceased to be Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of SPLM/SPLA-IO. Riek has mismanaged and failed to unite the movement, and has turned the movement into a family enterprise that resulted in unilateral decision making, which led to the summary dismissal of General Peter Gatdet and General Gathoth Gatkuoth”. Adding that; “Riek Machar and his in-law Taban Deng Gai have engaged in trade and have forgotten the main purpose for which we took up arms”.
The Generals rejected the proposed IGAD-Plus compromised agreement, and expressed their political objectives and proposals on the way forward in the above mentioned document. Plus, stated that “We call upon our gallant forces and the white army to remain united wherever they are in our areas of control, and to repulse any aggressors.”, and “We are also fully committed to addressing the concerns and grievances of our fighting forces”. And “We assure you that no agreement will be signed (at IGAD-plus peace talks) without your genuine representatives.”
Unfortunately, this grave development was expected to happen by most South Sudanese, because everyone knew that Riek Machar was not in control of forces he claimed to be under his command and control, and especially following Riek Machar’s decision to dismiss Gen. Peter Gatdet, Gen. Gathoth Gatkuoth, Mr. Gabriel Changson Chang and Timothy Tot Chok, and other influential people in his rebel movement.
Who has dismissed who in the rebels’ camp is now immaterial, as we fear that more innocent Nuer youth will now perish due to Riek Machar actions, in the Nuer Versus Nuer war that will now ensue through bloody battles to consolidate positions and prove control over territories and people.
We appeal to all peace loving South Sudanese to remain united and focus, and to continue to support the Government’s tireless efforts to restore a lasting peace with justice to our beloved South Sudan. We trust that you will continue to support the Government in upholding law and order, and in fighting to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our new nation. God Bless South Sudan.
From Gordon Buay
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