The Northern Bahr al Ghazal branch of the SPLM-Juba faction remains sharply divided over termination of the membership of Kuel Aguer Kuel, the caretaker governor of the government stronghold state.

Kuel has been engaged in a power struggle with his predecessor as governor, Paul Malong Awan, who remains the SPLM-Juba's state party leader despite stepping down from the governorship after being appointed army chief of general staff.

According to Akec Akeen, head of information and communications at the secretariat of the ruling party, Kuel was terminated by resolutions taken by the leadership at a 3 January meeting chaired by Malong.

But the termination is still hotly contested, underscoring the extent of party infighting despite claims that the dust had settled. Several government officials continue to openly accusing General Awan of orchestrating Kuel's expulsion.

The state parliament's chief whip Benson Opuothmalo said the termination was unconstitutional and that is not binding because the move is being challenged at a higher level.

“They made up charges similar to those they made against those of comrade Andrew Lual Buola, Vicky Nyanut Urac, Kuac Wek Wol, Hikma Ali Malek, Achak Thiep, Deng Deng Akuei and those who were dismissed from the SPLM in 2012 before they were reinstated. This is what they have done again to the governor but I don’t think they will succeed this time," said Opuothmalo.

Akeen, howver, defended Kuel's removal, saying he was convicted of five charges including failing to consult with leadership over appointments. Akeen also said that Kuel fostered disharmony in the party and failed to uphold the SPLM constitution.

“The SPLM state liberation council met and resolved to expel comrade Kuel Aguer Kuel from the party," he said. "The council was convened to discuss his misconduct and the leadership unanimously agreed that to restore and maintain the strength and unity of the party, disciplinary actions should be taken against those who go against the rules and regulations of the party and comrade Kuel is no exception."