Central Equatoria minister elected new head of National Movement for Change

JUBA – South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Moro Isaac Genesio, has officially been elected as the next chair of South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC) after resignation of Joseph Bakosoro in July.

Bakasoro abandoned the group which is a founding member of South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) led by Josephine Joseph Lagu, South Sudan’s National Minister of Agriculture and Food Security before joining the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit in July.

Speaking after the party elections, Gabriel Changson Chang, Minister of Higher Education advised the newly elected chair never to abandon the party like former chairman Bakasoro.

“Catastrophes like the one we had in 2013 and 2016. They are very bitter, destructive but they serve as an opportunity to fix what went wrong. If we do it rightly, then it will be a blessing in the sky,” Chang said on Saturday.

“Yes, a lot of lives and property and destruction took place but if we say enough is enough like what we are doing today the we will move forward,” Chang added.

He urged politicians to put the interest of the nation and its people above their personal interest in a bid to bring lasting peace in the country.

“We as public servants, what is always needed is to look at a bigger picture which is South Sudan and its people. If we take them over and above our party interest then we will see things very clearly and objectively,” he said.

Moro Isaac Genesio, newly elected chairman vowed to work for peace and unity of the party.

“With open heart, I accept the responsibility to lead this organization, South Sudan National Movement for Change with great mission, vision and objectives,” Isacc said.

“I pledge to reunite and cooperate with all members of the party in diversity and with your usual support, I believe we shall move this organization to a new appropriate level,” Isaac added.

Ishag Elias Ibrahim, Former Acting and Deputy Chairman of SSNMC reaffirmed his willingness to work with newly elected chairman in the implementation of the 2018 peace deal.

“The SSNMC family members are also here to embrace meaningful means to advance the same course and see that the Revitalized Peace Agreement is fully implemented in letter and spirit and to ensure the already conflict-affected people don’t go back to war but instead seek peaceful means,” Elias said.