USAP leader faces internal uproar amid allegations of misconduct

JUBA – The interim leader of the United Sudan African Party (USAP), Joseph Malek Arop, finds himself embroiled in controversy, facing accusations of overstepping his mandate from certain members of the party’s central executive committee.

Tensions rose after a faction of USAP state party chairpersons declared the removal of Malek as interim chairman, along with the deputy chairperson and secretary-general, exposing deep-rooted political disputes within the opposition group.

“Joseph Malek, the acting chairperson, along with his deputy Hon. John Deng Obany and Secretary General Hon. Joseph Ojukwu Ikarai, no longer hold leadership roles in the United Sudan African Party,” stated Rizik Kames Simon, representing the dissenting group.

The group accused Malek of assuming his position without proper procedural steps, claiming he promised a general convention within 30 days but has yet to deliver on that commitment since taking office.

They also alleged Malek’s conduct was damaging to the party’s reputation, charging him with behavior that undermines the integrity of USAP.

The central executive committee leveled serious accusations against Malek, alleging that he fosters “racist, tribal chauvinism, and political intolerance,” engages in corrupt practices, and discriminates against party members.

“He behaves in such a way to provoke serious divisions or a breakdown of unity within the party,” Simon asserted.

Simon accused Malek of supporting political factions that oppose USAP’s alliances, contradicting the party’s stated aims and policies.

According to several Green Party state chairpersons, Malek has been appointing his relatives and close associates to positions in the national parliament, council of states, and other government roles without consulting the wider party leadership.

“Joseph Malek does not tolerate criticism; he interprets any criticism as enmity, which we see as a sign of weak and poor leadership,” the group emphasized.

The faction opposing Malek’s leadership declared that ousted Secretary General Joseph Ojukwu Ikarai will oversee preparations for an extraordinary convention, given his access to critical party records.

“The Central Executive Committee will organize the extraordinary convention, and after the election, he [Ikarai] will hand over responsibilities to the newly elected leadership,” Simon explained.

Simon also clarified that the party structures at the state level will remain intact until the convention. He indicated that the leadership election is expected to occur within the next 30 days.

The group urged other political entities to cease any dealings with Joseph Malek as the interim chairman of USAP. Simon further emphasized that USAP remains committed to the National Agenda and maintains strong relations with the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

As of yet, Joseph Malek Arop, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has not issued a response regarding the accusations and refused to comment when reached out by Sudans Post yesterday.

The USAP is among several political parties aligned with the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, under a coalition known as the National Agenda.

The National Agenda is a signatory of the revitalized peace agreement as part of the former Incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (ITGONU).