13 senior army officers abandon Kiir, join Malong

JUBA – A group of thirteen (13) military officers belonging to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has announced its intention to join the South Sudan United Front (SSUF/A) led by General Paul Malong Awan, accusing Kiir of abandoned pre-independence comradeship.

Col. Philip Deng Kuol, military spokesman of South Sudan United Front/Army, said the group was led by Col. Reagan Mawien and include twelve other senior military officers who he said have accused Kiir of forgetting his comrades who fought alongside him during the liberation struggle.

“The office of SSUF/A official military spokesman is much honored and pleased to announce to the general public, SSUF/A revolutionary staunch supporters across the globe and entire leadership that our movement is proud to welcome the heroic “decision taken by likeminded comrades from SSPDF organized forces within Bilpam General Headquarters (GHQ),” he said.

“They accused President Salva Kiir of forgetting his colleagues who were together with him in the bus during the dark days of struggle and only brought NCP loyalists who are messing up the country. The renegades also pointing fingers on Kiir’s administration of marginalizing South Sudanese particularly the Twic Mayardit community in Juba whom he doesn’t involve in his government,” he added.

He indicated that “the group is headed by Col. Regan Mawien Deng Mawien along with 12 well-armed and trained officers, NCOs and men.”

“With great pleasure, SSUF/A under the wisely leadership of Gen. Paul Malong Awan cares of all servicemen and all are welcome to ranks and files of entire SSUF/A movement.”