SPLM welcomes former NCP supporters in Jonglei

By Philip Thon Aleu

October 26, 2009 (BOR) – Five National Congress Party (NCP) leading members and one other southern party’s supporter officially joined Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) today Monday in Bor town, Jonglei state.

Confirming their decision, the leading SPLM’s new comrade, surprised by hospitality, broke-down in tears and describes 19 years of serving NCP as “unappreciated work.” On it part, the SPLM says it remains the only Sudanese political party with readiness to forgive former foes and welcome new comrades with “open arms.”

The new arrivals to the state SPLM secretariat are Dr. Monica Simon Ngong, former NCP mobilization officer in Southern Sudan, Martha Ayak Lazero Kuol who heads NCP in Twic East County till her defection, Grace Atong Abor, former NCP, Ayak Philip leading NCP in Bor County, Susan Akuac Monychol (former NCP devoted member) and Elizebath Joseph Chan of USAP (United Sudan African Party).

Speaking at the tea party organized in their honor, Mrs. Simon Ngong, a medical doctor, first broke into tears, holds herself and described the welcoming ceremony as “I had not known that we [women] are important in our society after the long darkness.” Asked why she cried, Mrs. Monica told the Sudan Tribune that she witnesses a warm welcome from SPLM today but non from the NCP that she served for years.

“For 19 years, the NCP never appreciated me,” she said adding “there are no promotions for southern women after long services in NCP. That is why I cried.” Mrs. Simon Ngong talked about promotion in reference to the promotion of women former leader Susan Lith Aluong to Governor’s advisor on gender. Other arrivals attributed their decision to join SPLM to Mrs. Susan Lith’s inspiration.

But why did they join NCP? Mrs. Simon Ngong responded: “Because it was my husband’s party before his death and the only [viable] party before 2005 north-south peace.” Mrs. Atong, another new arrival, says she was not persuaded to join SPLM but that “SPLM has clear vision for Southern Sudanese” shaped her decision.

On their part, SPLM veterans say “we have received strong supporters…with open arms…because we need new energies for SPLM survival.”

“With SPLM, you have all chances of claiming any political position given our democracy,” SPLM state secretary Buoth Chuol says. “We need a long list of strong members like you,” Deputy State Chairman of SPLM Hussein Mar added to lobby for tremendous inflexion to SPLM.

Gov. Kuol Mangany Juuk, who doubles as State SPLM Chairman said: “SPLM is not for fighters only. If we stick to pioneers, SPLM will collapse. So, we need new people for SPLM survival from all corners of Sudan; regardless of religion and age.” Mr. Mangany then joked in Arabic: “Those who joined SPLM during the war and then defected to Khartoum were trying to understand why we were fighting then. They got it and are now strong members,” adding “be hard working because SPLM does not distribute money to win membership.”

Speaker of state assembly Peter Chol Wal, and SPLM ministers in the state including Timothy Taban Juoch of information and communication, Kengen Jakor Boya of finance, Rachael Nyadak Paul of social development and Deng Alier of land attended the tea party to confirm warm welcoming. Governor’s advisors led by Suzan Lith Aluong of gender, Oguto Ocham, several members of state parliament and other leading figures in the party were all present at the party’s headquarters in Bor.

Though it’s not immediately clear how many supporters are coming with the six heads but SPLM members jubilated in expectance of huge supports ahead of April 2010 general elections.

The new comrades have a lesson to learn – the SPLM Oyee slogan which is an equitant to NCP’s Allah Akbar.

(ST)