Machar official dismiss SPLM-IO split as ‘propaganda to cause confusion’

JUBA – A senior member of South Sudan main armed opposition group, SPLM-IO led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has dismissed claims that the group has split as propaganda to cause confusing within the rank and file of the opposition group.

This comes after senior members of the group including the deputy chairman Henry Odwar declared support for the Kitgwang faction led by former SPLA-IO chief of staff General Simon Gatwech Dual and other top opposition commanders.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post, Dut Majokdit, a member of the SPLM-IO National Liberation Council (NLC), said the reports of split are propaganda to cause tensions and havoc within the SPLM-IO saying the group was still behind the leadership of Machar.

“This serves to inform all our members, diehard supporters and the public at large, that there is no split in SPLM-IO movement under Dr. Riek Machar Teny,” he said in the statement.

“It’s the defections of our three generals and four political leaders and it shouldn’t be regarded as a split in the movement. The SPLM-IO remains intact under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Riek Machar First Vice President. I would like to clarify the rumors and propagandas fabricated to confused the public,” he added.

He further said the there was no any split “SPLM/SPLA-IO, and it is only a defection of the senior members that we aware of, last week, Political Bureau has confirmed their defections from the SPLM-IO. We can’t blame His Excellency Dr Riek Machar due to the delays on the Security Arrangements Implementation.”

“We all are aware of the delaying tactics on the Peace Process, by our Partners, it’s not something to be blamed on him, the SPLM-IO was formed on the 18th April 2014 in (Nasir, ) from the Ashes of the tragic war, to respond to National tragedy and turned to an opportunity to Peaceful address Political, economic, State and the nation building to Achieve unity, reconciliation, to restored the lost dignity of our People.

“It’s for this reason, SPLM/SPLA-IO has call for the New Political process after the collapsed of 17th August (2015) Peace Agreement & also engaged the region to Revitalized the Peace deal for the best interest of our People. We are committed to Peace; please disregard the rumors about split in the (SPLM/SPLA-IO) Leadership.