SPLA-IO military chief ‘undecided’ on presidential advisor position

JUBA – A senior military aide of South Sudan’s main armed opposition military chief General Simon Gatwech Dual has said that the top opposition commander has yet to make a decision on yesterday’s appointment as presidential security advisor.

On Monday, President Kiir issued a presidential order appoint General Gatwech Dual who is the SPLA-IO military chief of staff as presidential advisor on peace. Kiir also appointed opposition leader Dr. Costello Garang Ring Lual as presidential advisor for presidency.

Earlier on Tuesday, a military official who allied to General Gatwech said the opposition commander has rejected the appointment and claimed that the opposition commander was consulted, but had rejected the offer by Machar.

The aide who requested not to be named told Sudans Post that General Gatwech had told Machar that any appointment to political or military position in the country is connected to the implementation of the security arrangements provided for in the revitalized peace deal.

However, in  a statement on Tuesday evening, Brigadier General Samuel Mut Gai Dhap, the Director in the office of the SPLA-IO chief of staff said the opposition commander is yet to decided and said all should wait for official communication from him.

“There is a widespread speculation in the convergence media about the appointment of SPLA in Opposition Chief of General Staff Simon Gatwech Dual Hoth; to the position of Peace Adviser by the President of the Republic of South Sudan,” he said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

“Kindly wait for his official position whether he will reject the position or accept it,” he added, before saying that the opposition chief cannot be reached by Machar due to “poor network connection.”