Over 150 SPLM-IO members defect to Kiir’s party in Unity State

BENTIU – At least 156 members of the main armed opposition SPLM-IO led by First Vice President Riek Machar Teny in South Sudan’s Unity State have defected and joined the ruling SPLM under President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The group, who made the announcement yesterday, cited alleged mistreatment and lack of freedom of speech within the SPLM-IO.

The defection, which was formalized at the SPLM headquarters in Bentiu, included 130 members from Rubkona County and 26 from Panyijiar County.

Kuol Kuany, who led the defectors, who read out the statement cited mistreatment by the leadership of the SPLM-IO.

“We have come back to our mother Sudan People’s Liberation Movement ruling party,” he said.

We defected from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition because of mistreatment and poor procedures of democracy being practiced by the Rubkona county commissioner,” he added.

SPLM Secretary-General Chutyer Koryom welcomed the new members. He urged the defectors to support the SPLM in the 2024 general elections.

“As you have joined us, let us join hands for 2024 elections awareness. Our SPLM ruling party is ready for 2024 elections to vote for SPLM ruling party leadership,” he stated.

SPLM-IO Secretary-General in Unity State, William Gai Riak, disputed the claims, stating that the defectors do not come from the SPLM-IO.

“We had about that defection but 156 are not from Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition members, they are humanitarian aid workers. They should remain neutral,” he said.