SPLM-IO lawmaker acknowledges Yau Yau’s defection

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has acknowledged the defection of Gen. David Yau Yau back to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG).

Gen. Yau Yau initially defected to the SPLM-IO on April 1, 2024, after being dismissed from his position within the SPLM-IG. However, he rejoined the SPLM-IG on April 29, 2024, citing public demand from his community.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post yesterday, SPLM-IO lawmaker Hon. Juol Nhomngek Daniel, representing Cueibet County in Lakes State said the SPLM-IO is unconcerned by the move and emphasized that Gen. Yau Yau had not followed the proper procedures when joining the SPLM-IO and was therefore within his rights to leave.

Nhomngek explained that Gen. Yau Yau had never become a full member of the SPLM-IO. He said that article 7 of the SPLM-IO constitution provides that newcomers undergo a provisional period before attaining full membership and that Yau Yau did not complete this provisional period.

“The provisions of the party constitution and other basic documents of the SPLM-IO, are very clear therefore Hon. David Yau Yau, was not a full member of the SPLM-IO since he did not spend three months, but he was only under the provisional membership under Article 7.8.1 of the SPLM-IO Constitution, 2015,” the press release stated.

Hon. Nhomngek underscored the SPLM-IO’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. He suggested that these principles may not have suited Gen. Yau Yau.

“The SPLM-IO requires its members to observe the principles of Democracy, the rule of law, the supremacy of law, justice, freedom, etc, SPLM-IO requires its members to observe its basic documents. These are heavy duties that force some members to defect or leave within a shorter period,” the statement added.