At least 700 members of the SPLM-IO, led by suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, last week decamped to the SPLM Party of President Salva Kiir in the Unity State capital, Bentiu.
Dr. Machar hails from Unity State, where the SPLM/A-IO has strong support.
James Clement Juol, the Rubkona County commissioner who led the defectors, declared full allegiance to the SPLM Party, saying, “It remains the center for hope, peace, and development for the people of South Sudan.”
“My comrades and I declared to join the mighty SPLM under Unity State Governor Comrade Riek Bim Top and the Chairman, Gen. Comrade Salva Kiir Mayardit,” he stated. “Our defection came after we decided to join the SPLM Party. We have no problem with SPLM-IO, but we just decided to join the SPLM in government (IG).”
For his part, Unity State Deputy Governor Tor Tungwar, who is also the chairperson of SPLM-IO in the state, said he was aware of the defections and wished them well.
“We are aware of the decision that was made by some SPLM-IO members led by the commissioner of Rubkona County, who have defected and aligned with SPLM-IG. While we are disappointed to see them leaving, we respect their freedom of association and choice to seek a new political direction,” he said. “However, the departure of a few individuals does not shake the foundation of our movement; in fact, this allows us to unite under a clearer and more dedicated vision.”
Deputy Governor Tungwar added that while some of their members may prioritize personal ambitions over party loyalty, the vast majority remain committed to the party’s principles.
“We are already seeing renewed energy and support from our grassroots, and we are confident in our path forward,” he concluded. “We thank them for their service to our party, SPLM-IO, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.”