SPLM-IO to replace late irrigation minister Manawa Peter Gatkuoth

JUBA – The main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has said that plans are underway to name a successor for late minister of water resources and irrigation Manawa Peter Gatkuoth.

Gatkuoth who was also the Chairperson of SPLM-IO National Committee for Information and Public Relations died on 19 June 2022 in the Egyptian capital Cairo after he was flown in from Juba where he complained of chest pain.

In an interview with the independent Radio Tamazuj, Deputy Chairperson of SPLM-IO Nathaniel Oyet who is also the first speaker of the national parliament said plans are underway to replace the late SPLM-IO official.

“His (Gatkuoth’s) replacement is coming and this is a process. We waited for the 40 days to elapse and then we held a funeral prayer and now we are in the process of consultations for his replacement,” he said.

According to the SPLM-IO deputy chairperson, several potential replacements have already been nominated to take up the ministerial portfolio but he did not name them, saying it was an internal party matter.

“There are names nominated but we have not taken a decision. This is our internal process,” he said.