![Former South Sudan governor of Buma state David Yau Yau speaks in Gumuruk on May 13, 2014 [Photo via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/gettyimages-490127777-2048x2048-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C511&ssl=1)
In a statement circulating online and addressed to First Vice President Riek Machar, Yau Yau cited pressure from his community as the reason for his swift reversal.
He expressed regret over his inability to align with the inter-communal political discourse within the GPAA, stating that he faced resistance since joining the SPLM-IO.
“After having intently listened to the call from the people of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) following my attempt to persuade their demand for my immediate resignation from SPM-IO,” Yau Yau said in his resignation letter.
“All my efforts were thwarted and made untenable to fit in the inter-communal political discourse of GPAA. I regret to inform you that the reason for my resignation is a call from my community and I have consistently faced resistance against my decision to be in the SPLM-IO since joining,” he added.
Speaking to Sudans Post earlier today, head of SPLM-IO National Committee for Culture, Youth & Sport Gatduong Biphal denied the defection allegation, asserting that Yau Yau was in Greater Pibor for a party mission.
Yak insisted that Yau Yau remains with the SPLM-IO and is actively engaged in party activities.
But speaking to Sudans Post from Pibor on phone, Yau Yau confirmed his defection to the SPLM party.
He clarified that his visit to his hometown was to accompany the newly-appointed Chief Administrator of GPAA, Gola Boyoi Gola, and announced his return to the SPLM party among his community members.
“Yes, it is true. The reason why I came here is that I was coming with the new chief administrator, and I made the decision to announce my return to the SPLM party from here, among my people who have asked me to reconsider my decision of joining the SPLM-IO,” he said.
Yau Yau emphasized that he harbors no ill will towards the SPLM-IO but declared his allegiance to the SPLM party led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
“I don’t have any problem with anyone, and I don’t have any problem with the SPLM-IO. I wish them well in their pursuit of politics, but from now onward, I am a member of the mother SPLM party led by H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit,” he added.
On April 1, 2024, Yau Yau made headlines when he defected to Machar’s camp. In his defection statement, he levied accusations against President Kiir’s ruling party, citing tribalism and corruption as key issues.
Yau Yau held the president responsible for the persistent instability plaguing the nation, cautioning that unless addressed, tribalism and corruption would continue to hinder South Sudan’s recovery.
“SPLM has failed to deliver on the promises for south Sudan’s independence. Since independence the condition of living in South Sudan has deteriorated even worse than when we were in the old Sudan,” he said on his defection to Machar on April 1.
“This has left our citizen questioning the purpose of the struggle for the independence of South Sudan. The SPLM has failed to govern and provide security throughout the country,” he added.
However, Yau Yau was last week seen wearing an SPLM party cape, raising questions about his recent decision to join the SPLM-IO. This sparked controversy online with some suggesting that he was sent to the group for “a special mission”.
