![Factional SPLM-IO leader Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual looks during a meeting with government delegation in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on October 2, 2021. [Photo via Facebook]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WhatsApp-Image-2021-10-03-at-5.51.17-AM.jpeg?resize=850%2C526&ssl=1)
The defectors include Peter Piel Akuar, former head of the SPLM-IO Kitgwang Humanitarian Committee, and Alfred Gach Thot, former SPLA-IO Kitgwang spokesman.
In a statement, they cited General Gatwech’s alleged failure to implement promised regime change and the movement’s overall lack of direction as reasons for their departure.
“We are hereby informed you officially that we have decided tender our resignation from SPLM/A 10 KD and join the Real SPLM with immediate effect,” the statement reads.
“SPLM/A-IO KD spent almost four years without implementing anything of regime change policy it declared, now the SPLM/A-IO KD leadership is in limbo a situation of no war and no peace with the government of the day in South Sudan,” the statement added.
They further criticize the SPLM/SPLA-IO-Kitgwang for its lack of political structure, opaque leadership, and failure to represent South Sudan’s diversity.
The defectors also highlight weak leadership and poor decision-making within the movement.
The group expressed its intention to work towards a peaceful South Sudan under the Real-SPLM’s banner.
“We are joining the Real SPLM to continue the struggle towards the building of a peaceful, just and prosperous new South Sudan for all South Sudanese,” they said.
“For us, the Real SPLM vision captures the dream of all South Sudanese who yearn for an inclusive nation, united in its diversity in which we can all live in peace and harmony,” they added.
Nicolas Atou, the group’s representative to Egypt, stated they intend to use their new affiliation to negotiate a settlement with President Salva Kiir Mayardit to end the suffering of the South Sudanese people.
“We have made this decision because first of all, the Real-SPLM has a vision. Second, We want to negotiate with President Salva Kiir Mayardit because the suffering of our people needs to stop once and for all and this would be through the Nairobi peace initiative,” he said.
