The Spokesman of the SPLA in Opposition, Brig General Lul Koang Ruai has broken away from Dr Riek Machar.

He has formed a new movement that he says will separately negotiate a peace agreement with the government.

Brig Lul Koang Ruai has criticized the leadership of the SPLM in Opposition under Dr Riek Machar.

He says his new movement is made up of members of the Lou Nuer leaders, politicians and white army from Jonglei State.

He told Eye Radio by Phone from Nairobi that his group will negotiate with the government for the establishment of a separate state of Akobo similar to that of Greater Pibor Administrative Area under David Yau Yau.

“We have declared a unilateral ceasefire with the government forces that are surrounding Lou areas and we are requesting the government to respond in this so that we do not see clashes,” said Brig-Gen Koang.

He says his movement will work to implement the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

“We have also declared our intentions to hold separate and direct talks with the government with the view of demanding a state for Lou Nuer people to be created.”

The split of Brig General Lul Koang from the SPLM in Opposition comes ahead of the resumption of peace talks in Addis Ababa on Friday.

The Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Lueth, told Eye Radio that the government will decide how to deal with the two groups:

“The fact that he has defected and there are two political organizations or movements that we need to sit with is another thing now that needs a decision.”

The SPLM in Opposition has not responded to the breakaway of Brig-Gen Lul Koang.