Leaders of National Congress Party in South Sudan defect to SPLM
July 7, 2012 (JUBA) – Leaders of the South Sudan National Congress Party (SS-NCP) from the ten states of South Sudan on Saturday declared their resignation from the party and announced their decision to join the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
The delegation of the state representatives of the party headed by the Deputy Chairman of the SS-NCP, Dak Duop Bichiok, declared their defection to the SPLM on Saturday in Juba during their meeting with the Vice President of the Republic and Deputy Chairman of the SPLM, Riek Machar.
In a press statement Dak Duop Bichiok said it was high time to leave behind party differences and unify the voices of the people of South Sudan in this crucial period.
The delegation said they have been coordinating and encouraging the defection for a long time, expressing satisfaction that their declaration has coincided with the celebration of the first anniversary of their independence.
The former leaders of the SS-NCP have accused Khartoum of trying to further destabilize an independent South Sudan by using malicious act.
Currently the Chairperson of the SS-NCP in South Sudan is Agnes Poni Lukudu, who is also the minister of transport in the cabinet.
It is not yet clear what will be the impact of the defection of her deputy, Duop, along with senior states party officials. Duop was governor of Upper Nile state for seven consecutive years on the SS-NCP ticket.
(ST)