The authorities in Yei River County in Central Equatoria State have urged rebel groups in the region to abandon violence and return to peace talks following the surrender of three SPLA-IO soldiers to government forces in Morobo County.
The three soldiers, reportedly operating with SPLA-IO forces in Panyume, surrendered their weapons to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Jambo over the weekend and expressed their willingness to join the government and support the peace process.
The SPLA-IO forces in the Panyume in Morobo County are commanded by Major General John Mabieh Gar, who serves as the overall commander of SPLA-IO in Central Equatoria State and leads their mobile forces. Gen. Mabieh reaffirmed his full support for Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, saying Oyet’s leadership is rooted in the authority vested in him by SPLM-IO Chairman Dr. Riek Machar.
Speaking to journalists at the Yei River County headquarters on Tuesday, Colonel Majak Amuom Abenj, military intelligence officer in charge of Greater Yei, confirmed the surrender and urged people to work for peace ahead of the elections.
“Three soldiers surrendered themselves to the government from the SPLA-IO on Friday. They were in around Panyume, and they have surrendered with their weapons at the Jambo barracks along the Yei-Morobo Road,” he said. “They have decided to surrender because of the difficulty in the bush that does not favour them because it involves tribalism. I went and brought them to the caretaker commissioner because we are for peace and elections. These are three people, and many will come.”
Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme welcomed the soldiers’ decision, saying President Salva Kiir’s general amnesty remains open to those willing to abandon armed struggle and return home. He urged rebels to pursue dialogue through local leaders, assuring them of their safety if they choose to return home.
“These three gentlemen are South Sudanese who decided to surrender with no aim to continue with the rebellion. They have to join the peace process, and I want to thank them, and I am calling upon those who are still holding guns against the government to come back home,” he said. “The president made it clear that whoever wants to come back home is warmly welcomed. Let them not think that they cannot be forgiven.”
“If you think that you cannot reach us here (Yei), just surrender yourself to any of the chiefs who will send us a report to receive you,” Commissioner Taban added.
Meanwhile, Mading Jok Tep, one of the rebels who surrendered, said he had been welcomed and felt safe under government forces. He appealed to his colleagues still in the bush to follow his example and embrace peace.
“From the day we arrived, we were served food and were not subjected to any torture or detention,” he said. “This country belongs to us all, and I am urging our brothers in the bush to come back home.”
Jueng Kuodoworu, a former rebel, said the desire for peace motivated his decision to surrender. He urged other fighters to stop the killings and help secure a better future for the next generation.
“We need peace in South Sudan. I decided that staying in the bush was not a solution. There are a lot of difficulties in the bush, no food and necessities,” he said. “Let us stop the games and killings and be one family. Those who are still in the bush, please come back because there is a new generation coming.”
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