Sudan Events – Reports
One of the most prominent political and military opposition factions in South Sudan has signed a peace agreement with the government of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, under the auspices of the Director of Sudan’s General Intelligence Service, General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal.
The agreement, signed on Sunday after consultations in the administrative capital of Port Sudan, Red Sea State, brought together representatives of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), Kitgwang faction, led by General Simon Gatwech Dual. Representing President Salva Kiir’s government were the Director of Internal Security, General Akok Tong Aleu, and the Chief of Military Intelligence, General Garang Stephen Marshal.
The agreement includes, among other provisions, the implementation of security arrangements between the two sides, the integration of the breakaway forces from the SPLM-IO (Kitgwang faction) into South Sudan’s official army, and ensuring the faction’s participation in governance.
General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal, who mediated the signing ceremony, described the agreement as “historic,” stating, “Today, we have successfully reached an agreement between the government of South Sudan and the opposition SPLM-IO, Kitgwang faction, following a second and final round of consultations overseen by the General Intelligence Service, with close monitoring and support from the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.”
Mufaddal emphasized that, despite Sudan’s ongoing existential war, it remains committed to the stability and security of South Sudan, as “South Sudan’s stability means Sudan’s stability.”
The General Intelligence Service Director reiterated that Sudan has utilized its expertise and capabilities to assist its South Sudanese brothers, as part of its fraternal roles and sense of responsibility to end wars and disputes, and to support and sponsor efforts toward lasting peace.
He commended both parties for responding to the call for peace and signing the agreement, noting that it would pave the way for security stability in all border areas between the two countries, especially in the Lou Nuer region. “The Kitgwang faction is a significant player in the area, and its inclusion in the peace process will encourage others to abandon war in South Sudan,” he said.
Mufaddal reaffirmed that Sudan, under Burhan’s leadership, will continue to strongly support President Salva Kiir’s government. He also urged all parties to implement the agreement, as it “means further stability and progress for South Sudan.”
For his part, the leader of the SPLM-IO Kitgwang faction, General Simon Gatwech Dual, affirmed his commitment to moving forward after signing the peace agreement with the government of South Sudan. He stated firmly, “We are not going backward; we are moving forward,” stressing that his movement is a national one that seeks peace across South Sudan.
Simon also condemned the crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan and their involvement in dragging some South Sudanese nationals into the war. “The RSF caused us the worst situation… I stand with Salva Kiir all the way. I stand with Burhan all the way,” he declared.
Meanwhile, South Sudan’s Director of Internal Security, General Akok Tong Aleu, expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the peace agreement with General Simon Gatwech. He praised the Sudanese government and the General Intelligence Service for facilitating the consultations leading to the signing. “We will adhere to the agreement we signed, under the supervision of the Sudanese government and the General Intelligence Service,” he affirmed.
