
© SMCGatluak Gai
- SSLA rebels claim SPLA involved in Gatluak Gai's murder
- South Sudan army (SPLA) deny involvement in Gatluak Gai's killing
A rebel leader in South Sudan's Unity state was shot dead this morning in Koch county, only three days after he signed a peace deal with South Sudan army, the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA).
Citizens and officials from the area told
Sudan Tribune that Colonel Gatluak Gai was shot dead on Saturday morning along with some of his bodyguards after a group of people opened fire on him at Pakur where his forces have been temporarily assembled.
Phillip Aguer, the SPLA spokesperson confirmed Gatluak's death, accusing the latter's deputy, Marko Chuol Ruei for allegedly opening killing the former rebel leader after disagreement within the rebel camp.
"As you are aware, the government of Unity state entered into an agreement with Gatluak Gai and his forces leading to the signing of a peace agreement just three days ago. But two days later, differences began emerging within the rebel camps, whereby some soldiers led by Gatluak started disrespecting this peace deal," Aguer told
Sudan Tribune by phone.
Comment: Consider the following excerpts from the Cassiopaean Experiment dated November 23, 1996: