South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The opposition Federal Democratic Party (FDP) on Thursday expelled Gabriel Changson Chan Lew Chang, minister of higher education from chairmanship of the party citing violation of the constitution and nepotism.
This came at a meeting of the National Leadership Council on November 5, 2024 following the decision by Gabriel Changson to oust Changkuoth Bichiock from his position of Secretary General of the party.
On 3rd November this year, Bichiok was accused by loyalists of Changson of insubordination, gross misconduct and sowing divisions within the party.
Bichiock, former Secretary General of FDP said the party’s National Leadership Council nominated and endorsed him as the new interim Chairperson after ousting Changson.
“I would like to bring to your attention that the FDP is in crisis and has reached the extent of expelling its chairperson, Hon. Gabriel Changson Chan,” Bichiock told journalists at Thursday’s press conference in Juba.
He said Changson’s attempt to expel him from the party was a gross violation of the constitution, sowing division and discord within the party.
“The National Leadership Council condemned the hidden move of the former chairperson by intending to bring his family members into the most senior positions of the party,” Bichiok said.
He said Changson has been dismissed from the party. Bichiok cautioned the public to refrain from dealing with the latter.
Bichiok urged members of FDP to stand firm against any attempt to cause division and disintegration of the party.
“The NLC calls upon all members in the country and those outside the country, to remain calm as the party’s interest is above any individual no matter whatever position he or she holds,” he said.
He called on party members who left the party due to misconduct of Changson to return to the party, adding that his leadership will join hands with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance led by Josephine Lagu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to support peace initiatives in the country.
