Sudan asks disgruntled SPLA-IO generals to submit written position on revitalized peace deal

JUBA – The Sudanese government has asked the SPLM-IO faction led by General Simon Gatwech Dual and General Johnson Olony Thabo to submit a written position on provisions of the revitalized peace agreement signed in 2018 by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny.

This comes a day after General Gatwech and General Olony met a high-level South Sudan government delegation led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s security advisor Tutkew Gatluak in Khartoum where the two sides expressed readiness to negotiate in good faith to address grievances raised by the SPLA-IO commanders.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Sunday evening in Khartoum, Maj. Gen. Hassan Belal, one of the Sudanese commanders tasked to reconcile the South Sudanese parties, said the two sides are set to start talks soon saying the SPLM/SPLA (IO) Kitgwang faction has been told by the Sudanese mediation to submit a written position on certain provisions of the agreement that they wish to be addressed.

“Of cause the two sides, the side of the government of the state of South Sudan, and the side of the opposition faction of General Simon Gatwech are ready to talks and both of them seems to be in high spirit to come to the negotiating table and end their grievances,” Maj. Gen. Belal said.

“But before the talks can resume, there are a lot to be done by the parties, and this include the identification of their negotiation teams from the two sides. We in the Republic of Sudan have also asked the group of ….. Gen. Simon Gatwech, to provide what they wish to negotiate on so that the talk start,” he added.

The senior Sudanese army general further revealed to Sudans Post that the talks between Gen. Simon Gatwech’s breakaway SPLA-IO faction is expected to begin in the near future saying they are only waiting for the names of the negotiating team which he said will allow the Sudanese government to determine accommodation and security issues, among other priories.