Over eighty SPLA-IO soldiers rejoined government forces in Yambio of Gbudwe State.
Brigadier General Awadi Yoanes Akayo on Wednesday told Radio Anisa that he defected with 82 soldiers including high ranking officers from SPLA-IO.
He said he came to the government because Dr Riek Machar after assuming the position of the First Vice President did not recognize Equatorians who fought together with him.
Brigadier Yoanes appealed to everyone including Church leaders in Gbudwe State and Western Equatoria region to forgive him for what he has committed against his own people in the state.
He confirmed that President Salva Kiir has approved two divisions for the youth who took arms against the government in Gbudwe State to return home.
Gbudwe State Deputy Governor Edward Victor Kpiawandu appreciated the decision taken by the former SPLA-IO forces to join the government.
He promised full amnesty of the state government for any armed persons declared by the President and work for lasting peace in the state.
Brigadier Yoanes defected to SPLA-IO since 2013 and was one of the senior officers under the command of Major General Alfred Futuyo in Yambio deployed to Bentiu.