South Sudan opposition politicians abandon Pagan, join Laraka

JUBA – A group of South Sudanese opposition politicians and military officials have announced their resignation from the Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (R-SPLM) opposition party and subsequent defection to the Patriot’s Resistance Movement Arms (PRM/A).

The Real-SPLM and the PRM are both nonsignatory opposition groups that are currently holding talks with the government of President Salva Kiir Mayardit in the Kenyan capital Nairobi in hope to join the implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

The Real-SPLM is led by former SPLM Secretary-General Pagan Amum, while the PRM is led by former deputy governor of the defunct Northern Liech State and former SPLM-IO Kitgwang Chief of Staff Gen. Laraka Machar Turoal.

In a statement dated July 27, the group, led by Real-SPLM socio-economic subcommittee member Gatkouth Gatkhor wan Reat, expressed regret at their decision to leave the R-SPLM but cited personal and administrative reasons for their departure.

“Despite the facts that a continuously political support and cooperation from the leadership we have get from our colleagues and the entire movement of R-SPLM, which including a spirit of brotherhood and political assistance, but we find it’s necessary to take this step,” the statement said.

The following day, on July 28, the group declared their allegiance to the PRM/A, citing the rebel group’s commitment to freedom, justice, and equality as the primary reason for their decision.

“Our decision to join PRM/A is driven by our alignment with the Movement’s commitment to these principles,” the statement said. “We are dedicated to supporting its political and military mission and contributing to its vision for our country.”

The group, which includes Brig. Gen. Samuel Koang Gatluet and several other military officers, pledged to work towards enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of governmental institutions within the PRM/A.

“We support PRM/A’s initiatives to improve our society’s social fabric, including freedom of expression, justice, accountability, and social welfare. The party’s focus on strengthening democratic institutions aligns with our belief in a transparent political system,” they said.

“We will work towards enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of our governmental institutions to ensure public interests are efficiently and ethically addressed in our country,” he added.