VP Hussein removes Dr. Costello Garang as SSPM leader

JUBA – South Sudan Vice President Hussein Abdelbaggi has ousted Presidential Advisor Dr. Costello Garang Riiny Lual as the leader of the South Sudan Patriotic Movement (SSPM), following a dramatic shakeup in the opposition party.

In a statement issued Saturday after an extraordinary meeting of the SSPM’s National Liberation Council (NLC) in Juba, Hussein announced that Costello had been removed from his position as chairman and commander-in-chief of the movement. Hussein himself has been named interim chairman until a party convention is held.

The statement, signed by SSPM spokesperson Stephen Lual Ngor, cited a vote of no-confidence in Costello, accusing him of violating the party’s constitution. The violations allegedly included failing to collaborate with party members and neglecting key principles and mandates.

“The National Leadership Council has unanimously resolved to confirm Hussein Abdelbaggi as the interim chairperson of SSPM/A until the movement’s convention takes place,” the statement read.

The shakeup also saw Joseph Abdallah Sudani appointed interim deputy chairperson and Abdurahim Albino Daniel named interim secretary general.

The move comes days after Costello, who was appointed as a presidential advisor under the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, attended a high-profile meeting alongside South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) leader, Josephine Lagu, and secretary-general, Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, with President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The meeting fueled speculation that discussions included plans to replace Hussein Abdelbaggi as vice president, a position he holds under the SSOA ticket.

Adding to the intrigue, Costello appeared in another controversial meeting days later, where Stephen Lual, the SSPM spokesman, was removed from his role as SSOA media secretary.

Despite the leadership turmoil, the SSPM reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and its allegiance to the SSOA charter.

“The SSPM/A remains dedicated to the objectives of peace, stability, and the principles outlined in the revitalized peace agreement,” the statement said.