Ex-VP Hussein expelled from SSPM over misconduct

JUBA – The South Sudan Patriotic Movement (SSPM) led by Dr. Costello Garang Riing Lual has expelled former Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, citing gross misconduct and violations of the party’s constitution, Costello said in a statement on Thursday.

The decision follows months of internal tensions that began in November last year, when Hussein attempted to remove Costello as party leader after a contentious South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) meeting with President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The dispute erupted after SSOA leaders met Kiir without Hussein, who serves as Vice President representing the alliance in the transitional government. Despite not leading any SSOA party, Hussein sought to participate, arguing that his role as Vice President entitled him to a seat at the table.

Following the meeting, rumors circulated that SSOA leaders had petitioned Kiir to remove Hussein as Vice President.

Enraged by the reports, Hussein attempted to oust Costello, claiming his participation in the meeting violated the SSPM constitution. Costello responded by suspending Hussein and launching an investigation.

Earlier this month, Kiir confirmed Hussein’s removal, replacing him with SSOA Chair Josephine Lagu. Hussein was subsequently appointed minister of agriculture and food security.

In a statement Thursday, Costello accused Hussein of insubordination and undermining party unity.

“WHEREAS, investigations confirmed that Mr. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol attempted to unlawfully dismiss the Chairman, Dr. Costello Garang Ring Lual, invoked a non-existent constitutional provision, assembled an unauthorized faction to claim leadership, and convened a meeting at his private residence in violation of the party’s constitutional framework,” the statement read.

The party leadership said Hussein’s actions “constitute gross misconduct and a direct violation of the SSPM Constitution, undermining the party’s unity, leadership, and its role within the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).”

Effective immediately, Hussein loses all positions and membership rights within the SSPM.

“Effective immediately, he ceases to hold any position, authority, or membership rights within the SSPM. Any actions or representations made by him in the party’s name are null and void,” the statement said.

Hussein’s expulsion deepens the power struggle within South Sudan’s opposition ranks.

The SSPM reaffirmed its commitment to “upholding its constitutional principles” and warned it would not tolerate any actions “that undermine its integrity or stability.”