South Sudan: Ex-general forms rebellion to oust govt

By Parach Mach

JUBA, South Sudan (AA) - A former top South Sudan general Monday announced the formation of a new rebel faction meant to oust the current government of the troubled Horn of Africa nation.

Gen. Cirilo Swaka, deputy chief of staff for logistics, resigned from South Sudan’s Army last month amid accusations of supporting rebel groups fighting the government despite being the army’s number two.

In stepping down, he accused the government of ethnic bias and corruption, the latest sign that President Salva Kiir is struggling to retain his coalition of support as the country's three-year civil war raises prospects of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

Swaka said his newly formed National Salvation Front (NAS) has no choice but to fight the woes that have badly tarnished the image of South Sudan

“To restore sanity and normalcy in our country, Kiir must go, he must vacate the office without further bloodshed,” he said in a press release.

The top general stressed that his new group will work to restore law and order as well as respect for human rights in the country. He said his new movement will respond to the call for unified resistance against Kiir’s government, using all means that are available, feasible and effective.

The country's civil war began in December 2013, and a 2015 peace deal has failed to stop the fighting that has killed tens of thousands and created more than 1.5 million refugees.