AWEIL— A group of 25 members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Youth League in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State have petitioned the national youth leadership, calling for the removal of the state Youth League chairperson, Andrew Deng Wieu, over alleged leadership malpractices.
In a petition addressed to the SPLM National Youth League Chairperson, Puok Bol Par, the members accused Andrew Deng Wieu of failing to convene regular meetings with Youth League executives and county chairpersons since assuming office.
The petitioners said the lack of consultations had disadvantaged Youth League members and weakened coordination within the party’s youth structures in the state.
“Since he assumed office as SPLM Youth League chairperson in NBGs, he never convened any meetings with the executives and the county chairpersons to highlight the priorities in his leadership,” the petition reads.
The members also accused the state Youth League chairperson of making appointments without adequate consultation with county leaders.
The group cited the appointment of Santino Akec Dhel, the suspended SPLM Youth League chairperson for Aweil East County, as Secretary for Counties Affairs as an example of what they described as a failure to follow proper consultation procedures.
The petitioners also questioned the diversity of appointments within the state Youth League, alleging that two officials came from the same Boma in Malual Baai Payam.
The group further raised concerns over the management of Youth League finances, alleging that Andrew Deng Wieu was simultaneously serving as chairperson and finance secretary, while the appointed finance secretary was not given an opportunity to perform his duties.
The petitioners alleged that a container previously provided to the Youth League by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was sold for $500 without consultation with members.
They called for an investigation into the alleged sale and demanded accountability for the proceeds.
The members also questioned the appointment of James Yel Yel as SPLM Youth League chairperson in Aweil East County, alleging that he had exceeded the age limit for Youth League leadership.
The petitioners urged the national Youth League leadership to suspend or remove Deng Wieu and appoint a new leader whom they said could restore confidence and improve the functioning of the Youth League in Northern Bahr El Ghazal.
“We, the SPLM Youth League members in NBGs, suggested that since Cde. Andrea Deng is continuing to violate our constitutional rights; he should be suspended and investigated for these acts or dismissed and appointed a real cadre who will shape and rebuild the trust towards SPLM YL members in NBGs State,” the petition reads.
Attempts to reach Andrew Deng Wieu for comment were unsuccessful, as phone calls went unanswered for several hours.
However, Santino Akec Dhel, who is mentioned in the petition over his appointment as Secretary for Counties Affairs, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
Akec said his appointment and that of James Yel Yel followed recommendations from the SPLM leadership in Northern Bahr El Ghazal.
“These dudes are alleging fake things against us,” Akec said, arguing that the appointments followed established procedures involving the state SPLM leadership.
Another Youth League member who recently received a similar appointment but declined to be named also rejected the allegations.
The official described the claims as politically motivated accusations by individuals who were dissatisfied with not receiving leadership positions.
The dispute comes as the SPLM Youth League in Northern Bahr El Ghazal faces growing disagreements among members over leadership, appointments, and the management of party youth structures.
It remains unclear whether the national SPLM Youth League leadership will act on the petitioners’ demands or order an investigation into the allegations.
