SPLM replaces defected members in Jonglei

December 7, 2014 (BOR) – South Sudan ruling party (SPLM) has replaced its Jonglei state members believed to have joined rebels.

It emerged that only 39 of the 51 members of the state liberation council were present while rest either defected to the opposition or died.

John Kong Nyuon, the caretaker governor of Jonglei was appointed the party’s deputy chairperson, replacing Hussein Maar Nyuot who joined rebellion led by Riek Machar.

South Sudan’s defense minister, Kuol Manyang described Nyuon as “a true nationalist” who often united the people of South Sudan.

“When Riek [Machar] rebelled last December in Juba, a lot of people were killed. Many people followed him. But John Kong and many others did not [rebel] up to this point. I need him to be the deputy of the party in Jonglei state,” explained Manyang.

SPLM members who attended the meeting approved Nyuon’s appointment as the party deputy chairperson. The official, who hails from Fangak county, was appointed to its SPLM party council.

Deng Ajang Duot, the government chief whip representing people with special needs, said the constitution empowers party members to remove and replace their counterparts who rebelled or died.

“Those who died had automatically lost their memberships and their replacement was made. We unanimously agreed that those who had rebelled be dismissed,” Duot told Sudan Tribune on Sunday.

About eight liberation council members rebelled while five died.

It was also agreed that the secretary for the party and his deputy be nominated from Greater Akobo and Pibor counties before elections.

Over 400 SPLM members attended the meeting, which was held in the capital, Bor.

(ST)