Sudan’s SPLM dismisses federal minister for statements on Garang death
By Isaac Vuni
August 18, 2007 (JUBA) — The Interim National Council (INC) of Sudan people’s liberation movement (SPLM) party has, today, dismissed one of its minister, Aleu Ayeng Aleu, state minister of Interior in the government of national unity from his ministerial position, announced SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum.
Briefing the press after three days closed door meeting, secretary General Pagan Amum said “Comrade Aleu Ayeng Aleu was dismissed for making unwarranted and provocative statement on circumstances surrounding the death of SPLM Chairman, late Dr John Garang de Mabior to the media.”
He said both the SPLM and government of southern Sudan stand by the report of the committee constituted to investigate the helicopter crash that killed Dr. John Garang in July 2005.
Meanwhile GoSS minister of Information and broadcasting, Samson Kwaje said that remarks of Aleu does not whatsoever reflect neither the views of government of southern Sudan nor that of the SPLM, “therefore, they as government and SPLM party have dissociated themselves from such a careless statement of a personal opinion of comrade Aleu.”
Kwaje reiterated that the constituted investigation committee composed of SPLM and NCP members had attributed the death of Dr. John Garang to mechanical failure involving weather condition and human eras, meaning the pilot might have been committed mistakes.
Kwaje on behalf of Government of southern Sudan and of the SPLM party apologized to those mentioned in Aleu’s allegation.
Regarding statement by the wife of the late, Mama Rebecca who had earlier made similar statement in the Kenyan media that she knew the people who killed her husband but never mention any person nor a country, unlike Aleu Ayeng who pointed accusing fingers at Ugandan government and three foreign embassies who had meeting with the late together with Ugandan president prior to the crash. Dr. Kwaje appeals to all Sudanese not to take the lwa into their hands by hurting nationals of people implicated by Aleu Ayen Aleu unfortunate remarks.
Aleu had alleged in the Arabic language daily Akhabar Alyoum of August 14th 2007 that Uganda government and three foreign embassies have participated in the killing of the First Vice President of the republic and president of the government of southern Sudan who was also the chairman and commander in chief of SPLA in a plane crashed on 30th July 2005.
Meanwhile the three days workshop from 16th to 18th August 2007 of the Interim National council of the SPLM under the chairmanship of General Salva Kiir Mayardit discussed and agreed upon the final communiqué thus:
– Reviewed and noted that there were progress made in implementation of the resolutions and recommendations derived from the first Interim National Council of SPLM meeting held at Yei from 8th to 12th February 2007.
– The INC appreciated the success made in re-organization of SPLM, especially on mobilization, recruitment and registration of membership and hence the Interim National Council directed for continuation of the campaign nation wide.
– The Interim National Council emphasized for unity and cohesion within SPLM members as well as maintenance of internal party discipline, ideals and values towards achievement of SPLM objectives of building a New Sudan of freedom, peace and prosperity for delivery of peace dividends, services and socio-economic development to Sudanese people.
– The Interim National Council called on SPLM members and cadres to commit themselves to raise funds for the party through individual contributions, donations and to direct the SPLM resources development and management committee to develop strategies and means to raise funds for the party.
– The SPLM recognizes the importance of its partnership with the National Congress Party (NCP) and commits itself to work closely with it to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) particularly the outstanding issues on Abyei, North/South Border Demarcation, Re-deployment of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and disbandment of Other Armed Groups as well as repeal of laws that contradict the Interim National Constitution and the need for transparency in the oil sector.
– That SPLM shall continue to build alliances with all Sudanese political forces with the aim of implementing the CPA and creating unity of purpose to build peace and achieve democratic transformation in the Sudan.
– The Interim National Council appreciates the SPLM peace initiative on Darfur and re-iterates the belief that normality in Darfur can only be achieved through a negotiated just and lasting peace. In this regard, the agreement between the Government of National Unity (GONU), African Unions (AU) and United Nations (UN) to deploy a hybrid AU/UN Force in Darfur is highly welcome. The Interim National Council appreciates the work done by the SPLM Darfur Taskforce and directs it to step up its efforts to facilitate the unification of the Darfurian groups. The Interim National Council also urges SPLM Chairman to continue working and encouraging the warring parties, region and international community to reach a negotiated settlement for the conflict in Darfur.
– The Interim National Council notes with concern the current floods that caused untold disaster and suffering in Sudan and commends the positive steps taken by the Government of National Unity (GONU), Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), States governments and international community in providing humanitarian assistance in form of food and non-food items.
– The Interim National Council expresses deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in Jongeli and Eastern Equatoria States as a result of cattle rustling and urges Government of Southern Sudan to address this security problem.
– The Interim National Council notes with concern the persecution of the SPLM members in Northern Sudan; and calls upon the Government of National Unity to direct the relevant authorities, security organs and law enforcement agencies to stop such practices and to reinstate those who were unjustly dismissed and also to immediately release those currently in jail.
– The Interim National Council finally dissociates itself from the unfortunate statement made by Comrade Aleu Ayieny Aleu on the circumstances surrounding the death of the late SPLM Chairman, Dr John Garang de Mabior; and re-affirms its recognition of the good relationship with the people and government of Uganda.
(ST)