An Unity State militia leader was killed this morning by his deputy just days after he signed a ceasefire with the Government of South Sudan.
Colonel Gatluak Gai was killed this morning by his deputy brigadier general Marko Chuol after the commander decided to go back on the ceasefire he signed and started arresting officers who did not agree with his u-turn.SPLA spokesperson Colonel Phillip Aguer Panyang told SCR News over the phone that Mr. Gai’s deputy shot the commander during a discussion.
Col. Aguer denied allegations that the SPLA had plotted with some members in Gai’s force to kill him.
He said the SPLA was supplying food to Gai’s forces for the last two months and had sent a delegation to receive the militia leader.
Mr. Gai began his rebellion following last year’s April elections, after the candidate he supported for Unity state governor was controversially declared the loser.
The BBC reported that Mr. Gai is survived by many children, and nine of his boys fought in his militia.
One of his daughters is married to Peter Gadet, who leads the most active and recent rebel group in South Sudan.