The Chairman of the United Democratic Salvation Front (UDSF) party Joseph Malwal Dong suspended the party’s deputy chairman Martin Tako Moi.
Speaking at a Tuesday news conference in Juba at the New Sudan Palace Hotel, Malwal said the UDSF leadership decided to suspend Tako, who is also the current Deputy Minister of Environment, as well as Majok Mading Dier, a member and representative of UDSF in the constitution committee.
“Hon. Martin Tako and Majok have lost all their legitimacy regarding their membership, rights, and privileges of being members in the UDSF and therefore do not and cannot represent the UDSF in any capacity,” Malwal said.
He said the two men had “lost trust and confidence of their colleagues and the leadership of UDSF.” He said the suspensions went into effect on 17 January.
Malwal urged Tako and Majok to comply with the decision, warning that they should not pursue illegal dealings or incitements to violence in protest.
Four years ago, Tako declared himself as UDSF chairman while Malwal was staying in Khartoum, leading to an internal UDSF power struggle.
Malwal insisted that he was elected chairman by the party’s council in 2009 and remains the legitimate leader. He appealed to the government of the Republic of South Sudan, all political parties, NGOs, and any foreign bodies to respect and cooperate with the suspension order.
In September last year, Tako attempted to replace SPLM-DC leader Lam Akol as the head of the Political Parties Forum at the Addis Ababa peace talks. However, Tako was rejected by the IGAD mediators.
Related:
IGAD mediators ask Martin Tako to leave South Sudan peace talks (23 Sep. 2014)