Gatdet’s rebel forces arrive in Unity State amid ceasefire

The rebels’ return to Unity State follows a ceasefire agreement reached over a week ago between the militia leader and South Sudan’s government.

Gatdet defected from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) at the end of March after accusing leaders in Juba of corruption and poor governance.

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Shortly after the ceasefire was announced last week by his spokesman, Bol Gatkuoth, some of Gatdet’s commanders rejected the deal and accused the rebel leader of acting unilaterally without their consent. But the 1,200 SSLA troops reportedly arrived in Unity State’s Mayom County on Saturday in accordance with the ceasefire agreement, which appears to be holding.

Gatkuoth said in an interview that the rebels’ movement from Southern Kordofan has advanced peacefully so far.

Mayom County had seen some of the heaviest fighting this year between the SSLA and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). County Commissioner Martin Machot Deng confirmed that the arrival of the SSLA troops has proceeded without incident.

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They are enjoying peaceful relations with us,” he said, adding that the SPLA in Juba would be managing their accommodation.

According to Gatkuoth, a committee comprising representatives from the rebel SSLA and the SPLA has been formed to finalise talks on a full peace deal between the two parties.

He said the rebels are committed to reaching a final agreement based on assurances given by President Salva Kiir during their meeting with him last week.

President Kiir has offered amnesty to all rebel groups in South Sudan in exchange for their disarmament.