A member of the former political detainees, Chol Tong Mayai, has rejoined the ruling SPLM.

Mr Chol Tong Mayai was elected in 2010 general elections for governor of Lakes State, but President Salva Kiir dismissed him in 2013.

The former governor was among 11 politicians detained in Juba after the outbreak of the conflict in December 2013. They were accused of masterminding the ‘attempted coup’.

In a statement, Mr Chol said he left the group of Former Detainees based on the Arusha Agreement on the reunification of the party.

“I hereby declare the end of my membership in the SPLM-FDs /G-10 and join the reunified SPLM under the leadership of President Salva Kiir,” partly read the statement.

He welcomed the creation of more states, which is now a major point of dispute between the government and the SPLM in Opposition.

“Inasmuch as there may be challenges to it, we must accept the reality that it is irreversible popular demand of our people and all efforts need to be put to address the technical and any other challenges that come with it,” he added.

The IO says splitting the ten states into 28 is against the peace agreement, but the government says it will not reverse the decision.

Mr Chol said the 28 states are a popular demand of the people and has called for a speedy implementation of the peace agreement.