Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has denied involvement in ongoing political disputes within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO), stating that the party is “clean”
Speaking to Standard Zone News, SPLM officials unequivocally denied any participation in the SPLM-IO’s internal power struggles.
Party spokesperson Jimmy Atillio stated firmly, “We are not part and parcel of the SPLM-IO problem.”
Echoing this sentiment, senior SPLM member Peter Lam emphasized that the party’s focus remains solely on the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“SPLM has nothing to do with IO squabbles,” Lam asserted. “How they can effectively participate in the implementation of the R-ARCSS with missing members in various military mechanisms and executive institutions is their own call. SPLM cannot do that for them. It is not in our interest.”
He further added, “We want the peace agreement implemented, and they want the peace agreement to continue being implemented. So, they will make their own decisions as a party.”
This rebuttal comes after SPLM-IO accused the ruling SPLM-IG of orchestrating a plot to replace Dr. Riek Machar Teny from his position as Chairman and First Vice President.
The Party’s Deputy Chairman Oyet Nathaniel recently suspended four senior members, notably, Stephen Par Kuol, national minister of peace building following accusations of engagement with the SPLM.
SPLM-IO is currently facing a unity test, particularly following the house arrest of its chairman, and other party leaders. It seems now divided with one party in Juba and the other operating in hiding.
Lately, the two factions have been trading accusations of betrayal and collusion with the SPLM-IG after Dr. Machar’s detention.
Some members of the SPLM-IO have blamed the SPLM for playing a role in the internal political drama.
Juol Nhomngek, a Member of the National Legislative Assembly representing the SPLM-IO, stated in a Facebook page that some of their members have been influenced by the SPLM, characterizing the situation as a “defection” rather than a split.
“What is happening to SPLM-IO is not a split in the party, but it is a defection of members under the SPLM-IG influence,” Nhomngek wrote.
