Former SSLA Gave Maj. Gen. James Koang Three Days to Return To The Gov

Former SSLA Gave Maj. Gen. James Koang Three Days to Return To The Government
For Immediate Release
12/22.2013


The forces of former South Sudan Liberation Army (SSLA), under the command of Maj. Gen. Mathew Pul Jang, gave Maj. Gen. James Koang three days to return to the fold of the government. It should be recalled that the former SPLA Commander of Division Four, Maj. Gen. James Koang, declared himself as the “military governor” of Unity State on Saturday after chasing Gov. Joseph Nguen Monytuil out of Bentiu town. The legitimate governor, Dr. Joseph Nguen Monytuil, is now in Wankay with the Unity State chief of police.

We would like to inform the public and the media that Maj. Gen. James Koang does not have the support of all SPLA forces in Unity State. He is only commanding 600 forces stationed in Bentiu town. The rest of SPLA forces in Mayom, Parieng and other counties are loyal to the government.

A force of 5,000 of former SSLA fighters, under the command of Maj. Gen. Mathew Pul Jang, gave Maj. Gen. James Koang three days to change his mind. Failure to do so would lead our forces no choice but to storm Bentiu town.

We want to inform the media that Riek Machar was lying that Unity State is under his control. Only the town Bentiu is under Maj. Gen. James Koang who commanded only 600 forces. The rest of SPLA forces outside the town are not with him.

It should be noted that former SSLA fighters were the most armed group with superior weapons than any group in the history of South Sudan. Even the regular SPLA army does not have the weapons the SSLA fighters have.

In three days, the former SSLA fighters will be in Bentiu town. Civilians and UN staff are advised to leave the town because the former SSLA forces will use heavy artillery to dislodge Maj. Gen. James Koang if he doesn't change his mind before the deadline given to him.

We want to inform the international community that Riek Machar will not get support of Nuer political and military elites because people know who he is. The Nuer officers who rebelled did so because their loved ones were killed in Juba. Their response is emotional. They are not necessarily supporting Riek Machar. Competent Nuer generals like James Gatduel, Bol Kong, Simon Gatwec Duel and Thayeb Gatluak refused to follow Riek Machar and they are with the government. Many Nuer have low opinion about Riek Machar because he is power-hungry guy who would do anything for power.

For Contact:
Mr. Gordon Buay
Spokesman of the Leadership Council of the former rebels that signed peace with the Government of South Sudan
Email:[email protected]