The SPLM accused the NCP to be behind the renegade general who is on the run since the beginning of the month in Jonglei State and this is part of a bigger plan to spread unrest in across South Sudan and stop the referendum.
Gen. George Athor led an uprising at Doliep Hills Barracks on April 30, killing 20 soldiers, including five officers after he lost the race for governor of Jonglei.
The SPLM Secretary General told today the press that Mr. Athor’s rebellion was not political since he could contest the results for Jonglei governorship through the courts.
Pagan Amum said the NCP was behind Mr. Athor to cause unrest in South Sudan and prevent the referendum slated to take place until January 9, 2011.
He added that the NCP invested much money to destabilise South Sudan, buying guns, running training camps and trying to get the support of militias that joined the SPLA.
Mr. Amum urged Southerners to be alert to defend the right to have the referendum.
He appealed to the international community to press the NCP to stop meddling with security in South Sudan.
Mr. Amum said if the NCP blocks the referendum, the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly can proclaim an unilateral declaration of independence.
According to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the referendum is one means among others Ð the original text says inter alia Ð Southern Sudanese can use to determine their future.