Truce: Renegade Soldier Calls For Wide Consultations

The renegade militia leader in Unity State Colonel James Gatluak Gai has called for the involvement of key Government of Southern Sudan leaders and the UN to solve the political impasse with the state authorities.

Colonel Gai told Bentiu Radio that the move would mark a milestone towards attaining peace in the state.

“Peace negotiations will only be successful if the GoSS and the United Nations are involved. I would appreciate the involvement of the GoSS Minister of SPLA and Veteran Affairs Nhial Deng Nhial, the GOSS Minister of Peace and CPA Implementation Pagan Amum, the GoSS Minister of Interior Affairs Gier Chuong Aluong, the Governor of Unity State Lieutenant General Taban Deng Gai, the Chief of General Staff of the SPLA General James Hoth Mai, the United Nations Mission in Sudan and other international bodies”, he said.

He, however, expressed his dismay at the approach used by the GoSS Vice President Dr Riek Machar.

“I want peace to be negotiated but I am unhappy with the GoSS vice Present Dr Riek Machar who is trying to force me into the peace negotiations”, said Colonel Gai.

He affirmed his support for the secession of South Sudan, saying he voted for the same.

“Those who were thinking that my group is standing with the North on unity are wrong. If I was not with the rest of South Sudanese, something would have happened during the referendum poll because my people are scattered in Southern states like Unity and Western Bahr el Ghazal among others”, he said.

Colonel Gai, who did not divulge the location of his troops, however, commended the State Governor Lieutenant General Taban Deng Gai for his efforts to settle the differences peacefully.

Colonel Gai fell out with the state government after the hotly-contested 201o general elections where the incumbent Lieutenant General Gai retained his seat amidst claims of manipulation of votes.