8th February 2025
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Gen. Gatwech to become deputy Commander-in-Chief in new deal

Author: Staff Reporter | Published: February 5, 2025

Gen Simon Gatwech Dual - leader of SPLM/A-IO Kit-Gwang movement - Courtesy

The leader of the SPLM/A-IO KD movement, General Simon Gatwech Dual, is set to assume the role of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the SSPDF under a new peace agreement signed in Port Sudan on Sunday.

Gen. Gatwech’s press secretary, Nyang Gony Gai, confirmed the news to Eye Radio on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Gen. Gatwech will become the second-highest-ranking military commander in South Sudan, following in the footsteps of the late Lt. Gen. Paulino Matip Nhial, who held the position before his passing in 2012.

In a statement, the Government of National Unity and the SPLM/A-IO KD, led by Gen. Gatwech, announced the successful finalization of their peace agreement in Port Sudan, with representatives from the Sudanese government witnessing the historic signing on February 2, 2025.

In a message to the members of SPLM/A-IO KD, the people of South Sudan, and the general public, Gen. Gatwech reiterated the movement’s unwavering commitment to the peace and stability of South Sudan.

He stated that the SPLM/A-IO KD, formed in response to the South Sudanese people’s demand for peace, remains a committed advocate for the well-being of all citizens, continuously defending their rights and aspirations.

“After months of deliberation, peace talks, and negotiations, we have successfully come to an agreement,” stated Gen. Gatwech. “While the previous peace agreement collapsed due to a lack of political will, we have now risen above our differences and reaffirmed peace as the key to ending our nation’s suffering.”

The agreement contains several significant provisions aimed at promoting peace and stability in the country. The key points of the agreement are as follows:

  1. SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang advance delegation will travel to Juba for the operationalization of the peace deal.
  2. The reorganization and training of SPLA-IO KD forces into an official military formation.
  3. Integration of SPLA-IO KD forces into the national army and other security forces, including police, national security, wildlife services, and prisons.
  4. The total strength of SPLM/A-IO KD has been confirmed at 21,900 personnel, with a 12-month timeline for training and reorganization. Any extensions will require mutual agreement from both parties.
  5. SPLM/A-IO KD forces stationed at headquarters will be ready to travel to Juba ahead of General Simon Gatwech Dual’s arrival.
  6. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual will remain in Port Sudan until Phase One of the agreement is fully implemented.
  7. Remaining SPLM/A-IO KD forces will be directed to designated assembly areas for a four-month training period.
  8. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual will be appointed as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) through a Presidential Decree before his arrival in Juba.
  9. The SPLM/A-IO KD will receive key government positions at national, state, and county levels, ensuring greater representation in the government.
  10. Both parties have agreed to allocate parliamentary posts in the national and state assemblies.

According to the statement, the successful completion of the peace agreement will see the gradual return of Gen. Gatwech to Juba, accompanied by Gen. Akech Tong, Director-General of the Internal Security Bureau, and officials from the Sudanese government.

However, it pointed out that the agreement is contingent on full implementation within a 12-month period. Should either party fail to meet the agreed-upon terms, the SPLM/A-IO KD reserves the right to withdraw from the deal and nullify all associated provisions.

“We must remain united in this crucial moment for our nation,” Gen. Gatwech concluded, emphasizing the importance of moving forward with the peace process.

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