SPLM reverses dismissal of N. Bahr el Ghazal member

June 7, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s governing party (SPLM) has reversed the dismissal of one of its six lawmakers expelled from the party’s wing in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal state last year.

Hikma Ali Malek was one of the six MPs whose party membership was terminated on allegations that they allied with elements opposed to the leadership of the south-ruling party.

Multiple sources, including a minister in the state government, confirmed that the decision to have Malek dismissed from the party, had indeed been reversed.

“The dismissal has been reversed. It is over. This is actually what we have been telling other members to do. We have repeatedly been telling them [to] apologise regardless of their reservations. We know they may have issues, but it is always good to listen to what other people tell you,” the minister, who asked not to be named, said by phone Friday.

The move, he added, meant Malek can now interact freely with the party as a member of parliament, but that the party leadership was still working on her reinstatement.

Paul Malong Awan, the governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state had recommended the dismissal of the six party members, which was duly approved by Anne Itto, the SPLM deputy secretary general.

Those dismissed were accused of betraying other ministers after they allegedly passed information to opposition members of parliament. The six officials were also barred from attending any party activities.

(ST)