President Kiir has directed the Ministry of Defense and all Security institutions to expedite the incorporation of Agwelek Forces into the national army, as agreed in Khartoum.
President Kiir and top security officials met the Leader of Agwelek Forces Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo, on Wednesday 7th June 2023 in Juba.
He [Kiir] however applauds the step taken by the Agwelek Leadership for the positive response towards building peace in the country.
“We are happy that you have accepted to come to Juba to join the peace process. We want peace and we are ready and committed to pulling the country into the trajectory of peace and stability”, Kiir asserted.
President further urged the leaders of Agwelek Forces to take serious steps toward peace in order to end the suffering of the people.
“If you have come for peace, please come with the hearts of peace. We don’t want to see anyone going back to the bush, because South Sudan is too big and it has enough to cater for all of us.
For his part, Gen. Johnson Olony said, he is for peace and wouldn’t be deviated by “other people in the middle to spoil peace.”
The leader of Agwelek forces expressed satisfaction with his reception meeting with the president and reiterated his commitment to building peace in the country.
“We are happy to meet you today, and we want to truly tell you Mr. President that we have wholeheartedly come for peace and we don’t want other people in the middle to spoil this peace”.
Presidential Affairs Minister Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin said the coming of Gen. Olony signifies the importance of peace and unity for the country.