Mass Defection of Opposition Forces (SSOA) Threatens South Sudan's Fragile Peace Deal ‎

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‎ A group SSOA defectors.  ‎More than 2,300 security personnel formerly aligned with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) have defected to join the ranks of the government under President Salva Kiir, in a development that could significantly destabilize the 2018 peace agreement. ‎ ‎According to Samir, one of the commanders leading the defection, the group includes 105 army officers, 650 police officers, 668 prison service officers, 400 wildlife officers, and 506 fire brigade officers. ‎ ‎“We renounce all duties assigned to us under SSOA and are now under the command of the president,” Samir declared.  ‎ ‎He called on other opposition forces across the country to follow suit, in what appears to be a strategic consolidation of power under Kiir. ‎ ‎David John Kumuri, the public relations director for the National Security Service, welcomed the defectors and assured them of their safety.  ‎ ‎He said that, “this move demonstrates a commitment to peace and national unity...
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Dr. Riek Machar Hires Janjaweed As His Bodyguards

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A Sudanese Arabic newspaper is reporting that Riek Machar has hired Janjaweed as his bodyguards for his return to South Sudan. The Janjaweed have been renamed “Rapid Support Forces” and helped to suppressed the Sudanese protestors who toppled Bashir.

Dr Riek who is currently in Khartoum will be accompanied by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of Janjaweed who is currently part of Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council.

The newspaper Al-Intibaha quoting unnamed sources in the Government of South Sudan reported that Riek will return to South Sudan next month to meet with President Kiir. The paper did not specify the date of the meeting.

Dr. Riek Machar served as inaugural Vice President from 2011 until his dismissal in 2013 and also between April and July 2016 as first vice president.

 More to follow shortly....

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