JUBA, South Sudan, July 23 (UPI) -- A rebel leader in South Sudan was gunned down Saturday, three days after signing an agreement with the government of the newly independent state.
Some of Col. Gatluak Gai's bodyguards were also killed, the Sudan Tribune reported. He and his forces were in Pakur.
Phillip Aguer, a spokesman for the Sudan People's Liberation Army, which is now the South Sudan army, blamed dissidents within Gai's group.
"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 the Tribune in a telephone interview.
Another rebel told the BBC the SPLA was responsible and had led Gai into a trap. Gai broke with the SPLA last year after his candidate lost in a state election.
