Brigadier General Kennedy Kenyi Abdu, a high-ranking NAS commander declares allegiance to the government. June 24, 2023. | Photo: CES/Facebook

A senior military commander of the National Salvation Front (NAS) has reportedly abandoned the opposition group and defected to the unity government of President Salva Kiir.

Brigadier General Kennedy Kenyi Abdu, a high-ranking NAS commander appeared in pictures with Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony while announcing his defection on Saturday.

The former operation commander of NAS declared his allegiance to the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity(R-TOGNU) in a closed-door meeting with Governor Adil.

“I Brig.Gen. Kennedy Kenyi Abdu (Kenyi warrior), do hereby….declare that I have resigned serving within the files and ranks of NAS under the leadership of Gen. Thomas Cirilo and immediately join the peace wagon under H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit,” Kenyi told the media.

General Kenyi reportedly denounced violence and encouraged his former movement to join the peace process through the resumption of the Rome peace initiative.

The NAS group is yet to make a statement in response to the matter.

Governor Adil reportedly assured him of his safety as government prepares to “familiarize his declaration with the top leadership of this Country under Gen. Kiir as the supreme commander in Chief of all regular forces.”

Gen. Kenyi switched allegiance in Yei town in an event attended by Yei commissioner and security chiefs.