Senior commanders under the opposition leader Dr Riek Machar of SPLM/A-IO announced their resignation on Tuesday and joined the government army SSPDF under the command of head of state Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The commanders who resigned from the main opposition party include Lt general James Koang Chol, Major general Gatkhor Gatluak Koryom, Major general Joseph Yata Erasto,Major general Wang Chany Thian, Brigadier general John Kuol Peter, Colonel Kai Matien Kuol, Colonel Chot Mathew.
Speaking to journalists, Major General Joseph Yata Erasto explains the recent decree of ministerial positions including the defense ministry forced them to defect from the SPLM-IO party.
Lieutenant General James Koang Chol, the former SPLA-IO deputy chief of staff, laments that his former commander in chief is free to do what he wants.
He describes the recent formation of the cabinet as total mess where the forces are neglected.
General Koang urges forces to remain calm and continue to hold the ceasefire.
He complains that they are neglected because the Dr Riek appointed his family members to top positions who had not exerted effort for the movement.
The SPLA-IO Deputy Military Spokesman, Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel told CRN that they wish the CDR well, yet at the end the forces will be for the government while the minister of defense is from the opposition movement.
All forces of SPLA-IO assembled at the cantonment and training centers for security arrangements as stipulated in the revitalised peace accord.
The opposition leader Dr Riek Machar released a statement on Tuesday that reads they will continue with the implementation of the security arrangement and ordering all the forces to not communicate with the resigned commanders.