I, David Dep Taw, was a former commander in the SSDF under Paulino Matip and a Secretary of Information and Culture of SSUDA. I come from Nasir, Upper Nile State. I am writing this letter to set the facts straight:
1-I was betrayed by senior members of both SSDF and SSUDA in mid 2006 because of their own selfish motives. These people do not want to see a united South. They work for themselves and whoever they think will feed them. They are loyal to no one.
2-I was arrested twice in Nasir. The first time I was held for one week and then released. However, once I received supplies for my own activities in Upper Nile, those in the SSDF and SSUDA wanted these items for themselves including clothing, food, medicine, and money (US$15,000). I was rearrested in August 2006
3-As a result of deception, all my personal things and the items above were taken from me. I was held for two months whereby I was tortured and was to be sent to my death.
Fortunately, my many friends supported me including General Paulino Matip. The General realized that our former friends have deceived all of us for their own personal and petty gain.The General had me brought to Juba and released immediately.
Therefore, let me state that I fully and completely support General Paulino Matip Nhial as the Deputy Commander in Chief of the SPLA. It is the General and President Salva Kiir Mayardit that will bring the South together and in peace. My former colleagues who live in Khartoum and only serve the Jalaba are not for the South but for themselves.
Long live General Paulino. I pledge my support to you. I will see you when you come to the United States and hope to return to Juba with you so that I can remain your loyal soldier. It is you, General, that saved my life.