Revolutionary National Salvation Front (NAS) Announces Dismissal of Gen. Thomas Cirilo as Leader

By Majur Chol Khor 

In a declaration statement released on Monday, 5th February 2024. The officers, NCOs, and men of the Revolutionary National Salvation Front (NAS) have announced the dismissal of Gen. Thomas Cirilo Swaka as the leader of the movement. 

The group, now referred to as the NAS Revolutionary Command Council (NAS, RCC), cited failures and weaknesses in Gen. Swaka’s leadership as the reason for their decision.

The NAS Revolutionary Command Council expressed their awareness of the challenges facing the peace process in the Republic of South Sudan and recognized the efforts of regional and international bodies in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict. 

They welcomed the government of South Sudan’s decision to return to the negotiation table and the transfer of peace talks to Nairobi, Kenya. They also expressed their appreciation for President Dr. William Ruto’s acceptance of the mediation role.

The NAS Revolutionary Command Council reaffirmed their commitment to the cessation of hostilities signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2017 and Rome in 2020. They emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue and negotiation to address the challenges of peace and security in South Sudan.

The reasons for Gen. Swaka’s dismissal were outlined in the declaration statement. At the political level, the NAS Revolutionary Command Council accused Gen. Swaka of turning the movement into a company of his close friends and blocking members of other ethnicities from joining. They also criticized his leadership style, which they described as dysfunctional and ineffective.

In terms of strategic and security reasons, the NAS Revolutionary Command Council accused Gen. Swaka of failing to organize the military command and neglecting the welfare of the soldiers on the ground. They also alleged that he surrounded himself with power brokers and opportunists who influenced decision-making in the movement.

The NAS Revolutionary Command Council concluded the declaration statement by expressing their readiness for talks and negotiation with the government. They called on the government and other peace partners to show commitment to achieving lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

According to an official declaration document shared and confirmed by Alhuriya, the Members of the NAS Revolutionary Command Council have officially stamped and signed their names. 

The members include Maj. Gen. Robert Lodu Marko, Chief of MI at HQs; Maj. Gen. Eziborn Lotio Benjamin, responsible for operations in the Lainya area command; Brig. Gen. Augenio Doggale, in charge of administration in Kajokeji; Brig. Gen. Mario Loku Thomas Jada (Loku Lo Laja), overseeing PMO in Zone 3 Meridi; Brig. Gen. Luka Nyarsuk, responsible for operations in Kajokeji; Col. Ladu Stephen Lukaja, working in the Office of the Chairman at HQs; Col. Philip Mogga Denisio, assigned to Zone 5 in Gumba; Col. Pasisko Lodu Daniel, stationed at HQs in Lainya; Col. Jacob Pitia Cirilo, handling administration in the Mangalla command; Lt. Col. Alfred Beden Umba, involved in operations in Kajokeji; Lt. Col. Simon Kenyi Daniel, responsible for operations in Lo’bonok; Lt. Col. Lodu Tombe Wani, working in MI in Kajokeji; Lt. Col. James Wani Tartizio, stationed at HQs in Lainya; and Maj. Lodu Luka Alfonsio, stationed in Lo’bonok.

The coming days will reveal the impact of this decision on the peace process and the future of South Sudan.