The SPLM-IO faction allied to the incumbent First Vice President Taban Deng Gai has established its political bureau which is composed of 28 members of the party.
According to a statement dated 8 March, Taban appointed himself as the chairman of the political bureau and appointed Alfred Lado Gore as the deputy and Dhieu Mathok Diing became the secretary general.
The appointed members of the SPLM-IO politburo are Ayii Ayii Akol, Agel Riing Machar, Richard K. Mulla, Hussein Mar Nyout,Sofia Pal Gai, Ramadan Hassan Laku, Mary James Kong Kong, Lumumba De-Apiny Kau, Gabriel Yoal Dok, Michael Mario Dhuor,Michael Chiangjiek Geay, Gabriel Thowkuc Kuc, Yien Oral Lam, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Timothy Tut Chol, Bor Gatwech Kuany, Abdel Daim Deng Machar, John Clement Kuc, Riaw Gatlier Gai, Theji Da Duot Deng, Majed Babiker Tonga and Catherine Peter Laa, Otim David Okot, Ramzi Matueny Muorwel and Victoria Ada Garille.
The statement pointed out that the appointment of the members of the political bureau came after consultations among members and the top leadership of the SPLM-IO faction.
Taban’s group split from the SPLM-IO rebel group led by former first vice president Riek Machar after fighting erupted in the capital Juba in July 2016.
Photo: SPLM-IO group in Juba endorses Taban Deng as First Vice President in July 2016