South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Andrea Arop Malek
President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), presided over the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed SPLM Deputy Chairpersons at the party’s national headquarters in Juba yesterday.
The ceremony officially inducted Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel as First Deputy Chairman, Mary Apai as Second Deputy Chairperson, and Simon Kun as Third Deputy Chairman.
During the ceremony, President Kiir reaffirmed that this team will advance the vision and goals of the SPLM, working tirelessly for the growth and unity of their great nation.
He added that they should support them on this journey toward a prosperous South Sudan. He emphasized the professional and political significance of this appointment and mentioned its potential impact on governance and stability in South Sudan.
He urged the new deputies to lead with unity and service, stating, “This is not a reward but a responsibility.”
He called for results-driven leadership and emphasized the importance of national self-reliance through agriculture, declaring 2025 as the Year of Agriculture.
Addressing the youth, he stated that the future lies in their hands and urged them to learn from the past to lead the nation forward.
Meanwhile, the first deputy chairperson of the SPLM and vice president for the economic cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, pledging disciplined and loyal service.
He committed to working with his fellow deputies to build a strong team, uphold the SPLM’s vision, and continue the legacy of past leaders.
“I may be new to the position, but I am not new to the struggle,” he noted.
He stated that the country is committed to peace.
“We must have one army in the country rather than many armies,” he said.
He added that there shall be only one army, the SSPDF, in South Sudan, under one commander-in-chief, with no other party allowed to have an army.
