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Fourteen senior officers of a NAS breakaway group have reportedly laid down firearms and joined the government following three months of sustained grass roots dialogue with Yei River authorities, according to an official statement.

The South Sudan National Resistance Army leader Brg. Gen. Ronald Bakata Lasu signed the deal with  Major Gen. John Lual Tong Awan, who is said to have led the negotiations on the government military side.

The dialogue initiated by Commissioner of Yei River County Emmanuel Seme Taban was mediated and moderated by area security coordinator, Juma David Augustino.

Among the top SSNRA commanders who joined the governments are Brg. Gen. Anthony Salah Andrew, Brg.Gen. Peter Bilali Dukuya, Colonel Imbiga Habib, and Maj. Martin Lay Juma, among others.

Several soldiers are said to have expressed their readiness to report to designated contentment site soon.

Commissioner David has reportedly expressed his appreciation for the team’s decision to respond to the call for peace.

It is believed that the move by the former anti-government fighters will bring about lasting peace, steering socioeconomic and economic prosperity.

The peace deal is also viewed as gesture for the overall pending peace process in the region.

NAS under Thomas Cirilo is yet to comment on the group.