Security Threat Uncovered by South Sudan People’s Movement/Army: High-Level Mediation in Jeopardy

Gen. Stephen Buoy Rolyang, Chairman and Commander-in-Chief, SSPM\A

By Majur Chol Khor 

In a shocking revelation, the South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A) has raised security concerns regarding an alleged assassination plot against its Chairman and Commander-in-Chief. The SSPM/A office sent an urgent communication to Gen Lazaros Sumbeiywo, the Chief Mediator of high-level mediation for South Sudan, detailing the disturbing events.

According to the official statement, Tut Keaw Gatluak, the presidential security advisor of South Sudan, allegedly dispatched a team of security agents to Nairobi with orders to hunt down and assassinate the SSPM/A leader. The elaborate plan involved Kenyan agents disguised with dark glasses surveilling the Chairman at a hotel, prompting the immediate intervention of security personnel.

The situation escalated when John Top Nyerew, a known associate of Tut Gatluak, made a brazen appearance in Nairobi, revealing chilling details of previous assassination attempts orchestrated by the South Sudanese government. Despite attempts to evade scrutiny, Nyerew’s suspicious behavior triggered a swift response from security forces.

Expressing deep concerns over the safety of the SSPM/A delegation, the Chairman called for an immediate withdrawal from the peace talks and requested evacuation from Nairobi. The unsettling revelations have cast a shadow over the prospects of peaceful negotiations between the warring factions in South Sudan.

In response to the alarming developments, Gen Lazaros Sumbeiywo and the mediation team are expected to address the security threats and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all parties involved in the peace process.

As tensions rise and suspicions loom, the fate of South Sudan hangs in the balance, with the specter of violence threatening to derail diplomatic efforts towards lasting peace and stability in the region.

A quote from the SSPM/A Chairman encapsulates the gravity of the situation: “Juba is not ready for any peace talks. Their objective is to lure the opposition to Kenya and assassinate them one by one.”

In a poignant response to the alarming security threats faced by South Sudanese delegates at the Nairobi peace talks, Mr. Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), representing Civil Society at the negotiations, delivered a powerful condemnation of the assassination plot targeting General Stephen Buoy and its implications on the fragile peace process.

Speaking passionately on behalf of the Civil Society delegation, Yakani expressed deep concern over the brazen attempt to harm a key political leader present at the peace talks.

“We strongly condemn the act, the actors involved, and the atmosphere of fear and mistrust it has created around the mediation table,” Yakani declared, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and trust-building measures to restore confidence in the negotiation process.

Referring to General Buoy’s letter identifying potential suspects behind the assassination plot, Yakani highlighted the detrimental impact of such security threats on the peace talks, citing a prevailing sense of demoralization among the delegates. The escalation of tensions and mistrust jeopardizes the progress made in addressing critical issues such as political governance and security arrangements at the negotiations.

Addressing the pressing need for effective responses from the leadership in Juba to address the security concerns raised, Yakani stressed the importance of instilling confidence among all parties involved in the peace talks.

“The environment of insecurity has cast a shadow over the discussions, hindering our ability to move forward towards meaningful resolutions,” he stated, underscoring the pivotal role of trust and cooperation in achieving lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

As the delegates prepared for crucial deliberations in the upcoming plenary session, Yakani urged for a renewed commitment to genuine mediation efforts aimed at bringing about sustainable peace for the people of South Sudan. 

The Civil Society remains steadfast in advocating for inclusive dialogue and concerted action to overcome the challenges facing the nation and pave the way for a brighter future.

With the spotlight on the need for unity, trust, and decisive leadership in the quest for peace, the citizens of South Sudan are called upon to remain vigilant and engaged as the peace talks continue amidst uncertainties and heightened tensions.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as efforts to defuse the security crisis unfold.