April 10, 2015 (NAIROBI) – A senior officer in the South Sudanese army (SPLA) has defected from president Salva Kiir’s government and joined the rebel faction led by the former vice-president Riek Machar.

Brigadier General Gatwech Puoch Mar in Nairobi on 10 April 2015 (ST)

Brigadier General Gatwech Puoch Mar announced his defection on Friday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

In a press statement extended to Sudan Tribune, Mar said he had decided to join the armed opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) after realising that it was difficult to achieve reforms from within the government.

“It is with great resolve and confidence that I am hereby declaring my intention to add my efforts to the people’s movement the SPLM/A-IO under the able leadership of Dr Riek Machar Teny,” partly reads the declaration.

“This comes after a long time of trying to push for badly needed reforms from within the country. I realised that this is not leading anywhere,” he said.

Mar, who is younger brother to Simon Kun Puoch, the current pro-government governor of the oil-rich Upper Nile state, served as head of security forces in Wau, capital of Western Bahr el Ghazal state, before switching sides on Friday.

He accused president Kiir’s government of dictatorial tendencies, adding that he was “visionless” and experiencing “leadership paralysis”.

It was not clear whether he had soldiers that defected with him or if the defection would make an impact on the ground as the declaration was made in a foreign capital.

The rebel chairman for information and public relations, Mabior Garang de Mabior, who attended the Friday press conference in Nairobi for the defection of the officer, said the rebel leadership welcomed the newcomers.

Mabior in a separate press statement also extended to Sudan Tribune, on Friday further explained that other officials alongside Mar had also declared their individual defection to the opposition group.

“The SPLM/SPLA leadership announces the defection from the administration of Salva Kiir by the following: Gen. Gatwic Puoch, Cde Agel Riing Machar, Maj. (Rtd) Simon Awas Pidomoi, Capt. Benjamin Baptista and Capt. Machael Thiik Ke’nyan,” he said.

He congratulated the individuals for taking the decision, describing them as “renowned” and “notable” experienced people.

(ST)