February 18, 2015-It is reported that the military spokesperson for Riek Machar’s opposition rebel movement has defected. Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang announced that he has left the movement because of questions about the leadership.

Brigadier General Koang is quoted as saying, “The declaration that we are making today is that we no longer want to be fighting simply because one man at the top wants to rule this country by force.”

According to the General, 75% of the opposition is behind him and have joined a new Resistance Movement, which allegedly is composed of military commanders.

“We have been preparing for a major offensive, the government has been preparing for a major offensive, and we are trying to avert this eventuality by declaring a unilateral cease-fire and talking instead of fighting. So I am once again calling on the government to listen to voices of people calling for peace,” he added.

Koang said the Resistance Movement represents Nuer people and is calling for a Nuer state.

The South Sudanese government welcomes the new movement.