Opposition military officers reject VP Hussein’s ‘coup’ against Costello

JUBA – The military chief of the South Sudan Patriotic Movement/Army (SSPM/A), General Agany Ayii Akol, has denounced what he called a coup against the group’s leader, Costello Garang Ring Lual, orchestrated by Vice-President Hussein Abdelbaggi.

Last week, Vice-President Hussein, accompanied by a group of SSPM politicians, announced in Juba that he had ousted Costello, who serves as the presidential advisor on presidential affairs, and declared himself the “interim” leader of the opposition group.

Costello responded swiftly, suspending Hussein from his position as deputy chair of the party.

The vice-president was reportedly angered by alleged calls from South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) leaders urging President Salva Kiir Mayardit to replace him as Vice-President representing the opposition bloc.

In a recorded statement yesterday, General Agany Ayii Akol rejected Hussein’s move and reaffirmed military support for Costello, describing the ouster as an illegitimate coup.

“We, the armed wing of South Sudan Patriotic Movement/Army have rejected the removal of Dr. Costello Garang Ring Lual as the chairman and Commander in Chief of South Sudan Patriotic Movement/Army,” Agany said.

He added: “We want to reaffirm our unwavering support for Dr. Costello Garang, and we want to confirm that Dr. Costello Garang is the only leader we know. We condemn the unlawful behavior of Hussein Abdelbagi Akol and his disgruntled group for attempting to oust the leader of SSPM/A.”

Agany criticized the vice-president’s actions, accusing him of violating the party’s constitution. He emphasized that leadership changes in the movement must follow constitutional processes.

“A leader can only be removed by a convention and not in a meeting of few individuals who are not members of the party,” he said.

The opposition military official further underscored that Hussein’s actions undermined democratic principles.

“Hussein attempted coup should be condemned by those who care about democracy. We, the armed wing support democratic means of removing a leader and not through coup,” he said, reiterating his loyalty to President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The latest developments have deepened internal rifts within the SSPM/A, which is part of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance.

Observers say the dispute may complicate efforts to maintain unity among opposition factions during the country’s transitional period.