Eight senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Western Equatoria State have defected to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
The ruling SPLM is led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, while the SPLM-IO is led by First Vice President and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar. The two factions are part of a fragile 2018 peace deal that established a power-sharing government at both national and local levels.
The defections come amid heightened tensions following the detention of Dr Machar and several allies in Juba. Their arrests have triggered violence in Rejaf, Wunaliet, and Upper Nile State. President Kiir’s camp has accused Dr. Machar of planning a rebellion—an allegation his supporters deny.
The defectors include:
- John Mirihewari Singira, Yambio Town Mayor
- Lino Fataki Kuogo, Commissioner of Nzara County
- Andrew Kumbangami, SPLM-IO Youth Secretary in Yambio County
- Charles Francis, SPLM-IO Senior Protocol Officer
- John Nambazia Yakobo, Member of the State Parliament
- Torosa Elias Toro, Deputy Commissioner of the State Revenue Authority
- Obedia Keliopa, Director General at the State Ministry of Health
- Richard Issa Mizan, Member of the State Parliament
Speaking in Yambio on Thursday, Yambio Town Mayor John Singira announced their move, saying: “We, the SPLM-IO members, have decided to join the ruling SPLM to contribute to lasting peace in the state. Let us all unite and work for stability.”
Elias Torosa Toro, Deputy Commissioner of the State Revenue Authority, accused the SPLM-IO of fuelling unrest: “We have realized that the future of Western Equatoria lies in the SPLM, our mother party.”
Lino Fataki Kuogo, SPLM-IO Chairperson in Nzara County, thanked the SPLM for accepting them, saying: “We need unity and collaboration to strengthen the SPLM in Western Equatoria State and work for the development of our nation.”
Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, Acting Governor and SPLM Chairman in Western Equatoria, hailed the defections as a boost for the ruling party.
“We know that the place where they were was not safe, and they have confirmed it to us. They could not continue in a situation that was leading to bloodshed,” he said.
He urged remaining SPLM-IO members to abandon opposition ranks and join the SPLM.
“I encourage every SPLM-IO member who is still in hiding to come back to town and join us in rebuilding our state.”
The SPLM-IO leadership in Western Equatoria could not be reached for comment.
