SPLM-IO suspends its Northern Bahr el Ghazal agricultural minister

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has suspended its minister of agriculture, forestry and environment in Northern Bahr el Ghazal Anei Deng Akok for allegedly targeting young people who didn’t voted for his candidate in a local youth organization.

Last week, there was an election of youth union in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Anei who is a senior member of the main armed opposition group allegedly supported a different candidate other than the one endorsed by the SPLM-IO and later on tried to purge young people who did not support his candidate angering his party in Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

In a statement, the acting SPLM-IO Chairman in Northern Bahr el Ghazal Dominic Ukac Bol suspended the minister of agriculture and forestry with immediate effect until when an investigation on the minister’s actions is completed.

“In consultation with SPLM-IO Chairperson for Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Hon: Aweng Abraham Akoon and with the exercise conferred upon me by the SPLM-IO constitution of 2015 as amended I Hon. Dominic Ukac Bol the SPLM-IO Deputy Chairperson as well as acting Chairperson of SPLM-10 Northern Bahr el Ghazal State do here by suspending the Minister of Agriculture Forestry and Environment Hon. Anei Deng Akok,” he said in the letter of suspension extended to Sudans Post.

“This suspension shall come into force with immediate effect upon my signature,” Ubac further added.