New leader of Sudan SPLM tipped to take Garang’s VP post

NEW SITE, Sudan, Aug 2 (AFP) — Salva Kiir, who has been appointed the new leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) following the death of John Garang, is assured of inheriting Garang’s other job as first vice president as well, diplomats said Tuesday.

The SPLM named Kiir as its new leader Monday after the weekend death in a helicopter crash of Garang.

It also said that Kiir was a candidate for the post of first vice president but diplomats said this application was purely for form’s sake.

“Salva Kiir will be the first vice president. There is no question about it,” said one.

“They can’t say no,” said another at New Site where Garang’s body is awaiting burial.

According to the country’s new interim constitution which came into effect last month “the parties have the authority to nominate the candidates to the position (to which) they are authorised within the government,” the first diplomat said.

As the job of first vice-president is reserved for the SPLM, it appoints its choice. SPLM spokesman Pagam Amun said Kiir should be sworn into the job within two weeks.

The constitution says the new government, including the first vice president, should be appointed on August 9.

But it appeared likely the process of apppointing Kiir could be finished before then, observers said.