Two influential members of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State tendered their resignations and joined the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
Gabriel Bol Dut, formerly known as Bol SPLM due to his significant support for the party, served as the Secretary for Popular and Syndicated Organizations. Bona Bak, on the other hand, held various roles, including Chairperson of the SPLM Youth League and Director for Information and Communication.
The ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) is led by the country’s president Salva Kiir, while First Vice President Riek Machar leads the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Gabriel Bol Dut confirmed his resignation from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and his decision to join the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
“I am pleased to confirm that I have resigned from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Government (SPLM-IG) and have joined the Sudan People’s Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) under the able leadership of Dr. Riek Machar Teny,” said Bol.
He expressed disappointment with his former party, blaming it for “failing to achieve its vision and address the challenges faced by local populations.”
Bol added, “It is both surprising and painful for the entire leadership of the SPLM-IG that I have made this wise decision. It is my right because I initially joined the SPLM-IG alone, and after observing the lack of progress in the party and the suffering of communities across the state under the leadership of SPLM Chairman Tong Akeen Ngor and Secretary General Stephen Ayaga, I decided to resign from the SPLM-IG and join the SPLM-IO on June 16, 2023.”
Bona Bak Apeny, who formerly served as the Director for Information and Communication within the same political group, also declared his loyalty to the SPLM-IO led by Riek Machar.
Apeny stated, “I would like to thank Radio Tamazuj for interviewing me to confirm the news circulating on social media. I, Comrade Bona Bak Apeny, officially submitted my resignation letter to the office of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government (SPLM-IG) in Northern Bahr el Ghazal on June 17, 2023, and I have officially joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) under the leadership of H.E Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the First Vice President.”
Apeny said that the ruling party had failed to provide essential services, such as healthcare and telecommunication, in Greater Thiok Ajuet or Ayai constituency, where he comes from.
Responding to the resignations, Stephen Ayaga, the Secretary General for the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, acknowledged that every individual aged 18 years and above has the right to decide and express their own opinions.
However, he denied claims that the party has lost its vision and mission, emphasizing its strengths and commitment to governing South Sudan for the next hundred years.
“I want to confirm that any person who reaches the age of 18 must decide their own opinion, and the youth who resigned made their own decision. But their claims are unfounded because the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG) has not lost its vision, and it will lead the country for the next 100 years according to the established vision and ideology that we aim to achieve in the Republic of South Sudan,” said Ayaga.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) could not immediately be reached for comment.