Four paramount chiefs, women and youth leaders in Lakes state join Machar

JUBA – At least four paramount chiefs in South Sudan’s Lakes state have joined the main armed opposition group, SPLM-IO, under the leadership of the country’s First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, Sudans Post is told.

The six community leaders from Rumbek North County’s Maper made the declaration to join the Machar-led movement on October 29.

“Today on 29th October 2020 [……..] six chiefs and community leaders from Maper (Rumbek North) have declared their membership and joined the SPLM – IO under the leadership of Dr. Riek Machar,” General John Sunday Martin, the SPLA-IO commander for Sector 6 confirmed in a statement to Sudans Post.

The traditional leaders include, Malec Chor Martial, a paramount chief, Peter Mawal Mangak, a Town Court Judge, Dut Mangar Aduol, chief, Yar Majak Monyok, a Women leader, Chol Lual Chuatgau, a local chief and Samuel Mabak Mabak who is a youth leader.

Their defections come as senior politicians, youth and women group continue to join the main armed opposition groups saying the SPLM-IG under President Salva Kiir Mayardit has contributed to the destruction of the country and is not ready to bring permanent peace to the country.