S. Sudan opposition refutes internal rift allegations
June 20, 2013 (JUBA) – A member of South Sudan opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Democratic Change (SPLM-DC) has dismissed as untrue allegations that internal rifts exits within the party.
“There is no problem within our leadership. It is not in any dispute at all. The leadership is in harmony,” Ayom said Thursday.
Recent media reports claim the SPLM-DC leadership was divided after Onyoti Adigo; the minority leader in the national assembly, made remarks that were critical of the Sudanese leader Omer al-Bashir after the latter’s threat to close down the oil pipeline.
“The statement made by minority leader about remarks by the Sudanese president was personal and not representative of the party. It was personal view. And as a politician, he is at liberty to qualify his statement and make justifications,” he said.
Ayom, also the deputy minority leader in the assembly, further accused certain unnamed groups of captilising on statement made by SPLM-DC officials to stir up problems in the party.
“SPLM-DC is a very strong party. People are able to see what the party stands for. They cannot identify with other parties. The statements [made] were personal and we are not having any problems, he said.
Ayom also refuted allegations that the SPLM-DC leader, Lam Akol no longer talks to the minority leader in the assembly, following his recent remarks against the Sudanese leader.
“That matter is being dealt with internally. It is just unfortunate that people thought it wise to bring it out in the media”, he said.
He claimed that the party was growing stronger than it was before; going by the accolades they allegedly received.
“What makes the SPLM-DC a great party is that individuals have a right to express themselves on opinions and that is what Onyoti [Adigo] has done is viewed as personal view, which cannot create row”, Ayom stressed.
The SPLM-DC, a break away from South Sudan-ruling party (SPLM), was formed in 2009.
(ST)