The announcement was made during a meeting organised by the SPLM-IG leadership in Koch County, led by County Commissioner Gordon Koang Biel and the county’s party secretary, William Ter Wuor.
The gathering focused on strengthening political cooperation, promoting reconciliation, and encouraging unity among communities in the county, in which a group of 127 former SPLM-IO members, led by Chuol Chan Kulang and his deputy Bol Tut Biel Yian, formally declared their decision to join the ruling SPLM-IG party.
Speaking during the event, the new members said their decision was influenced by what they described as positive leadership and development efforts being undertaken by the Unity State government.
They expressed confidence in the government’s agenda of promoting peace, stability, and improved service delivery across the state.
The defectors stated that they believe political cooperation and unity are essential for lasting peace and development in Koch County and the wider Unity State, noting that the government’s efforts to maintain stability and strengthen local administration had encouraged them to align themselves with the SPLM-IG.
Welcoming the new members, Commissioner Gordon Koang Biel praised their decision and described it as an important contribution to peace, reconciliation, and community development.
He emphasised that the SPLM-IG remains open to all citizens willing to work toward the progress and prosperity of Koch County and Unity State, regardless of their previous political affiliations.
“The party is committed to promoting unity and encouraging all communities to work together for peace and development,” he said.
The county SPLM leadership also reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots mobilization, peaceful coexistence, and the implementation of government development programs.
Political defections between rival parties remain common in South Sudan, particularly at the local level, where leaders often cite peacebuilding, development priorities, community, and sometimes personal interests as reasons for changing political allegiance.
