The timing of split within the SPLM-in Opposition is meant to delay the peace process, a political analyst has said.

On Tuesday, Major-General Peter Gadet and General Gathoth Gathkuoth announced that they have lost confidence in Dr. Riek Machar.

The analyst, Dr. James Okuk, says the development comes at a time when the warring parties are close to a peace agreement.

“They don’t want Dr. Riek to be their leader, but Dr. Riek wants to agree with President Salva Kiir to remain as President of the country…..and this is very complicated,” Dr Okuk told Eye Radio.

The SPLM in Opposition says it has sent a team to Khartoum to convince Major Peter Gatdet and other generals to return to their headquarters in Pagak under the leadership of Dr Riek Machar.

In a statement, the deputy military spokesman of the SPLM in Opposition, Dickson Gatluak, said Gatdet’s declaration was written by politicians who want to spoil chances for a peace agreement this month.