SPLM welcomes 792 opposition defectors

By Simon Deng

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) on Friday received 792 opposition members who defected from the SPLM-in opposition and the National Congress Party.

The Governor of Central Equatoria State Emmanuel Adil Antony while speaking during the reception ceremony of the opposition in Rock City suburb of Juba called on SPLM party members to remain committed as they head for the 2024 elections.

“There was marginalization that led to the revolutionary struggle, SPLM has liberated our country because of the commitment, we need to be committed otherwise we cannot progress, we have to continue with that struggle,” Antony said.

Dabe Francis, the leader of the team joining the SPLM said that they are returning to the SPLM in order to work for the SPLM vision of unity, equality and prosperity.

Santo Malek Anai, the SPLM Secretary for Political Affairs, Mobilization and Organization said that the implementation of the peace agreement including the security arrangement is about 80 percent implemented.

He welcomed the opposition members, saying their numbers will boost the victory of the SPLM in the upcoming elections.

“The defection is reinforcement to the power of the SPLM, we are going for election, SPLM-IO has accepted to join us in election, people are talking of preconditions, the elected government will write the constitution,” Malek said.

Mary Apai Ayiga, the SPLM second deputy secretary general for administration and finance said that the SPLM is a party with huge membership.

“You need to be patient, we have the country and we need to work for unity and peace, we all need to be united, we have to be determine as we prepare for the 2024 general elections,” Ayiga said.