SPLA-IO 1st. Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual/photo: getty image
The recent controversial remarks by the Minister of Defence, Madam Angelina Teny has not only angered SPLM/A-IO supporters across the globe, but, also some high-profile figures within the rebel’s movement.
The minister spoke last week in Malakal where she addressed the newly grads unified forces. She warned that those who are calling themselves IO should immediately leave and join the IO party implying the rebel movement is no longer “relevant” since the country is working on unification.
According to source from Gevril IO military base in Northern Upper Nile, powerful SPLA-IO military Chief, 1ST Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual was “shocked” and deeply “disturbed” by the minister of defence’s remarks.
The source who asked for his name not to be revealed to the media said that both Gen. Johnson Olony and Simon Gatwech are not happy with the remarks. They see this as something that entirely surprised them. The two are also in deep discussions on the way forward.
“I am telling you now the Chief is not happy with what she said. But as far as I am concern, the man never tells people what is inside him. Olony is also angered. It is possible if Olony will not be appointed something bad will happen. I am not ready to tell you what it is, but you will know”
He said the soldiers are in a deep dilemma whether they should identify themselves as IO or the SPLA. However, the Chief warned the soldiers not to discuss such a topic.
“But the Gen (Simon Gatwech Dual) warned us not to discuss such a thing. He said IO will win the war if the government failed to implement the peace as required”
The soldier told Ramciel Broadcasting that IO has thousands of soldiers and couldn’t possibly be integrated into the army without proper arrangement. He mentioned that current implementation or the unification of the two armies may not be a success with the current trend.