SPLA-IO Kitgwang split again as general accuses Gatwech of stalling peace deal

JUBA – A South Sudanese opposition commander, Major-General Gatkuoth Biel Nyany, has announced a split from the SPLA-IO Kitgwang faction led by General Simon Gatwech Dual.

The move comes amid tensions over the implementation of a 2022 peace agreement.

Nyany, who was recently deported from Sudan over alleged ties to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accused Gatwech of lacking commitment to the Khartoum Peace Agreement signed with President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government in January 2022.

The agreement aimed to integrate Gatwech’s forces into the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

However, unlike a separate deal signed with the Agwelek faction that led to the integration of its leader, General Johnson Olony, Gatwech’s agreement remains stalled.

In a statement yesterday, Nyany claimed he and other opposition commanders were forced to split due to Gatwech’s “lack of leadership and vision” and his alleged resistance to implementing the peace deal.

Nyany said his deportation stemmed from advocating for the agreement’s implementation, a stance that reportedly created friction with Gatwech.

He claims Gatwech accused him and others of dissent to the Sudanese government, ultimately leading to their deportation to Juba.

“The Juba government found me blameless,” said Nyany. “Following my release, we held an online convention to redefine our direction, as the Chairman [Gatwech] seemed to have no clear objective for the movement. This resulted in his removal from the leadership of the SPLM-IO Kitgwang Faction.”

Nyany affirmed his commitment to the peace agreement, stating: “My entire SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang faction, both military and political wings, declares our position publicly that we will undoubtedly continue to implement the Agreement… It is the sole solution to end the conflict that has subjected our citizens to boundless suffering.”

The split within the SPLA-IO Kitgwang faction further complicates South Sudan’s fragile peace process.

It remains to be seen if Nyany’s faction will successfully pursue the government of President Kiir to implement the Khartoum Agreement and how Gatwech will respond to these developments.