A senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Bor Gatwech Kuany, has resigned from the party, citing neglect and the government’s failure to implement critical reforms needed to address South Sudan’s economic crisis.
In an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Bor explained that although his decision to leave was difficult, it was ultimately necessary due to his growing frustration with “the current government’s lack of action.”
Bor, who was elected as a lawmaker representing Longechuk and Maiwut in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in 2010, initially joined the opposition SPLM-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) during the civil war. He served as the SPLM-IO’s chief whip in parliament from 2016 to 2020.
In late 2021, Bor led a group of SPLM-IO officials in rejoining the SPLM under President Salva Kiir, hoping for reconciliation and progress. However, he was removed from parliament by President Kiir despite being an elected representative, a move he described as a violation of his rights.
“I was removed by the president from parliament against my rights, though I was an elected MP, chosen by the people in 2010,” Bor said. “Despite this, I decided to rejoin the SPLM, believing things would change and that the president would reconcile and work with me again.”
Bor expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to fulfill the peace agreement and implement reforms. He described his treatment as political sidelining, or what he called “political assassination.”
He argued that South Sudanese citizens could endure the current situation if the government were genuinely working to implement the peace agreement, initiate reforms, and restore stability.
“The agreement that they use to extend their terms is not being implemented properly,” he added. “This government is not faithful to the people of South Sudan. People need to work hard to ensure things are done right.”
Although Bor has not yet decided on his next course of action, he made it clear that he could not remain silent while the government fails “to address the country’s challenges.”
“If the government was genuine and working in the right direction, one could stay quiet,” he said. “But the government is doing nothing—firing people, and the economy is collapsing. People are living in dire conditions, both inside and outside the country, and they are not being brought back home.”