The Chairperson of the Other Political Parties (OPP) in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State has announced the appointment and restructuring of state and county secretariat leadership in preparation for the December polls.
Since the formation of the revitalized government of national unity in 2018, the OPP has lacked official structures, but in a sudden move, the leader of the OPP has taken action to rectify this situation.
In an order shared with Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Moi Isaac Lokwabei appointed the following individuals to key positions: Betty Hope Awor as Deputy Chairperson, Otulo Asis Okeleki as Secretary General, Susan Achiro Awata as Director of Administration and Finance, Andrew Albino Loliamoi as Director of Information, Joseph Virgilio as Director of Planning and Logistic Support, Pious Lokoro Mathias as Director for Political Affairs and Mobilization, Akii Hellen Longorimoi as Director of Youth Affairs, Regina Nakai Faustino as Director for Women and Gender, Taban Oliver as Director for External Affairs, and Pasqualle Anthony Ola as Director for Safety and Welfare.
Isaac, who also serves as a member of parliament at the Eastern Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, heading the Finance and Economic Planning Committee, also appointed county chairpersons as follows: Mr. William Lokonyen Akileo for Budi County, Jacob Attari for Torit County, John Lonya Mathew for Ikotos County, and Lokore Nelson for Magwi County.
Isaac explained, “Many of our members have been with OPP from the start, while others are newcomers. However, since the revitalized agreement, OPP members have been scattered, with some joining other political groups like the IO and SSOA. When I took over as Chairperson from my predecessor, Honourable Joseph Opio, I saw the need to restructure the administration. I wanted to ensure that the new leadership represented the diverse communities of Eastern Equatoria state and was based on individuals’ potential and abilities.”
He elaborated, “Previously, we had only acting positions due to the transitional nature of the period. There were stages where ministers, commissioners, and legislators were appointed, so we had to fill roles temporarily. But now, with the formation completed, we’ve taken the time to restructure the leadership more formally. This process took time because we needed to ensure fair representation for all counties and consider minority groups like youth and the disabled. Now, with the completion of this restructuring, the county secretariats will establish their leadership structures down to the boma level.”
Isaac emphasized, “The aim of this restructuring is to prepare for the upcoming elections. Currently, many leaders may not even know their own villages or languages. Our goal is to educate our people on how to choose their leaders through elections. We want to empower both our members and the broader community to participate in the democratic process. We are optimistic that elections will take place, and we are ready to support our people on the ground. We are committed to winning elections and advancing the reforms that the citizens of Eastern Equatoria desire.”
When asked about OPP’s stance in the upcoming elections, the official emphasized, “OPP is fully in support of holding the elections. If we reflect on the agreement, it was initially given a 36-month timeframe, with an additional 8-month pre-transition period. However, nothing significant was accomplished during this time, and even when the period was extended to 42 months, little progress was made. Despite extending the roadmap for another 24 months, there are still complaints about inadequate action. Now that the roadmap has concluded, it’s time to consider what comes next. We cannot keep extending without a clear explanation to the people. It’s an opportunity to allow the people of South Sudan and Eastern Equatoria to choose their own leaders. The imposition of a government without the people’s awareness must cease.”
The Torit County commissioner, also appointed as the County OPP Chairperson, affirmed his appointment and expressed his commitment to promoting peace in his county. Attari urged the population to support his party, emphasizing that OPP advocates through dialogue rather than violence.
“Yes, I am indeed aware of my appointment, and I am pleased about it. My primary goal is to unify the people of Torit County and eliminate any insecurity they face. I encourage everyone to join OPP. OPP is like an untouched gem, attracting many. We will conduct a widespread membership registration, and I welcome everyone. OPP is a peaceful party that opposes the ruling party through dialogue to address the challenges facing South Sudanese citizens. We do not resort to rebellion or violence; our strength lies in our voices,” Commissioner Attari appealed.