More than 400 members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) have defected to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), citing growing frustration over internal divisions and what they described as a lack of inclusive leadership.
The group, led by Kiir Deng Mou, was officially welcomed during a ceremony in Bentiu, where Unity State Governor Riek Bim Top Long praised the move as a sign of confidence in the SPLM’s vision for peace and development.
“This is not the first time we have seen defections from SPLM-IO and other parties to the SPLM,” Governor Bim said. “This is the fourth occasion where we have received defectors from other political groups, and it is a strong message that SPLM stands for peace, unity, and development for the people of South Sudan.”
Speaking on behalf of the 434 defectors, Mou described the SPLM-IO as increasingly dysfunctional, accusing its leadership of turning the party into a personal enterprise.
“We decided to join the SPLM because it is the historical party that represents the hopes and struggles of all South Sudanese,” Mou said. “Currently, some individuals in SPLM-IO are managing the party like their own family property. There is no space for collective decision-making or growth for ordinary members.”
He added that the group is ready to work with the SPLM-led government in Unity State to support development initiatives and improve service delivery.
“We are committed to peace and development. Our people deserve roads, schools, clean water, and security. We believe that by joining the SPLM, we can contribute to making these goals a reality,” Mou said.
The defection is seen as a political boost for the SPLM in Unity State, as South Sudan continues to implement the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and prepares for national elections.
