Gen. Olony removes Gatwech, declares self as leader of Kitgwang faction

JUBA — South Sudan controversial opposition commander Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo who is under international sanctions for use of child soldier has named himself the head of the breakaway SPLM-IO Kitgwang faction, a top opposition commander allied to him said.

Gen. Mabor Dhoal who is allied to Olony told Sudans Post in an exclusive interview this morning that they have decided to remove Gen. Gatwech because “he does not fit” to lead and will remain a member of the group unless he decide to defect from the group.

“This is to confirm that General Johnson Olony is the new chairman of the SPLM-IO Kitgwang faction which was formerly led by Gatwech Dual. We have decided to remove Gatwech because he is not capable of mobilizing for the implementation of the peace agreement and has no relations with Salva Kiir to implement the deal,” Gen. Mabor said.

“General Olony is the new chairman, I am the deputy, Gen. Paromi is our operation commander and so we are soon we are going to appoint the rest of our leadership including the chief of staff,” he added.

Differences between Olony and Gatwech begun last year when the later decided to involve politicians in the movement, something General Johnson Olony opposes as he blames the politicians for the ongoing conflict in the world’s youngest nation.

Last week, Gatwech’s forces were dislodged from Magenis by General Olony and an official allied to him confirmed the ouster, but said there were no fighting as alleged on social media because “we don’t want civilian casualties in Magenis and that’s why we left peacefully.”