South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
A group of 28 members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) under President Salva Kiir Mayardit have crossed over to the opposition SPLM-in opposition led by Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
Kannah Lilcho Kada, Chairperson of Youth Union in Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) who was among the defectors at a ceremony held in Juba on Saturday, accused the SPLM of failing of sectarianism and failure to deliver services to people in his home area.
“The SPLM-IG government in GPAA has failed to provide basic services for the communities since its formation. The region being landlocked lacks proper infrastructure, making it difficult for communities to access necessary resources,” Kada said at a press conference held in Juba.
He said the SPLM is a party that tolerates corruption with impunity, adding that it lacks vision to develop the country.
“The SPLM-IG rule is characterized with widespread human rights violations, lack of freedom of speech, and expression, nepotism, corruption and lack of development despite the abundant natural resources in South Sudan,” Kada said.
He said the SPLM only allows sycophants to participate in politics.
“The government under SPLM -IG has failed to protect citizens and their properties, leading to rise in communal violence,” Kada disclosed.
Justin Lam Kong, the former Commissioner of Akobo West County of Jonglei, claimed that SPLM has failed to bring sustainable peace and stability in the country.
“The SPLM-IG has failed to address the deteriorating situation of the economy with the South Sudan Pound continuing to depreciate rendering it useless,” Lam said.
Pal Mai Deng, SPLM- IO Spokesman welcomed the new members to the party, saying that the opposition party is a voluntary political organization open to those who want to join.
The defectors comprised of 14 youths from Greater Pibor Administrative Area and 14 members from Warrap State.