SPLM’s Amum quits Sudan’s cabinet

September 14, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese president, Omer Al-Bashir today evening has relieved Pagan Amum of his position as minister of cabinet affairs. He also appointed Costa Manyebi at his position.

Panan, who is also the Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, quits son ministerial post following a row with the National Congress Party when he stated that Sudan is a “failed and corrupt state”.

The SPLM official made the remarks during a forum on press and political freedom in Sudan organized by the pro-SPLM Freedom Bells, Agras al-Huriya last June. NCP officials like Nafi Ali Nafi criticized Pagan and called on him to resign.

The SPLM leadership; following a meeting held in Khartoum and headed by the first Vice president, condemned the attacks against Pagan Amum and calls to relieve him after his statements

However one month later, in July, Al-Bashir issued a decision lifting the constitutional immunity of Pagan Amum. He also ordered the formation of a commission of inquiry with Amum on his political statements.

(ST)