NAS Commander Gen. Hillary Yakani Defects to Government

NAS Commander Gen. Hillary Yakani Defects to Government, Cites Leadership Failures JUBA, South Sudan — General Hillary Yakani, a commander of the National Salvation Front (NAS), has announced his defection from the opposition movement and declared his decision to join the Government of South Sudan. Speaking after his defection, Gen. Yakani accused the NAS leadership of creating security misunderstandings among members and failing to effectively manage the movement’s internal affairs. He alleged that the organization has been plagued by rampant killings of innocent civilians, looting, tribalism, and the killing of its own officers. According to Yakani, these challenges have weakened the movement and contributed to growing dissatisfaction among its ranks. “The leadership of NAS has failed to unite its members and instead continues to create security misunderstandings within the movement,” Yakani said. He further claimed that a majority of NAS officers are preparing to defect and join the government due to frustration with the movement’s leadership and direction. Gen. Yakani also criticized former NAS Chief of Staff Gen. Kamilo and the movement’s leader, Thomas Cirillo, accusing them of mismanaging the organization and contributing to its current challenges. The National Salvation Front, led by Gen. Cirillo, is one of South Sudan’s armed opposition groups that has operated mainly in the Equatoria region. The movement has not yet publicly responded to Yakani’s allegations and announcement of defection. The development comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the country’s security situation and encourage armed groups to participate in peace and reconciliation initiatives.