35 SPLM-IO officials defect to Kiir in Unity State

BENTIU, AUGUST 27, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – At least 35 members of the main armed opposition Sudan people’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) have defected to the ruling SPLM under President Salva Kiir in Unity State.

The group led by Colonel Padhor Marier Khor announced their defection to the Kiir-led party yesterday in the capital Bentiu where they were welcomed by Governor Joseph Nguen Manytuil who doubles as the head of the ruling party in the state.

In his statements to the media, Governor Manytuil described the defection of the opposition officials as a “bold decision” and a “significant step” towards peace and stability in Unity State.

“On behalf of SPLM, Unity State Secretariat, I take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome back the 35 members who defected from SPLM IO to SPLM party under leadership of Cde Salva Kiir Mayardit,” he said.

“The bold decision taken by 35 members to join SPLM in Unity State is paramount and significant toward the realization that the SPLM party is a beacon of peace and hope of our people aspirations,” he added.

‘STREET COLLECTION’

Rubkona County Commissioner and senior SPLM-IO member Hon. Dhoal Koryom Lingling confirmed the defection of only two of their members, saying the rest of the names indicated by the defectors were collected from the streets and are not members of the SPLM-IO.

“Colonel Padhor Marier defected to the SPLM-IG yesterday, but the names I saw in the list which they posted online are a street collection and they are not known to us as SPLM-IO leadership,” he told Sudans Post from Juba.

“We only know Colonel Padhor Marier and deputy head chief Gatleak Ruach,” he added.