SPLM’s Itto ready to welcome back senior officials to Juba
February 25, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese ruling SPLM party’s acting secretary-general, Ann Itto, has announced readiness to “welcome back” to Juba senior officials of the governing party who were dismissed after the 14-month old conflict began in mid-December 2013, but revealed they may face charges in the court of law upon return.
Speaking to reporters in Juba on Wednesday, a day after the orders, acting secretary-general Itto said former SPLM’s first vice-chairperson, Riek Machar and former secretary-general, Pagan Amum, will assume their previous posts on returning to Juba.
“The revocation of decision means those who have been dismissed as a result of the December 15 happening will be welcomed back, not only as party members but also to resume their work as assigned to them,” she said.
Itto however said that those who might have criminal charges among the returning leaders will “eventually” face charges in court.
“We will welcome back everybody to the SPLM but in order for them to resume their positions in the party they must not be having criminal charges against them. They are members of the SPLM, yes, they will be welcomed back, yes, but eventually they will have to face the court if they have some criminal charges,” she said without specifying those who will have to clear their names in court.
According to SPLM reunification agreement signed in Arusha, Tanzania, in January, president Salva Kiir as current party chairman in government should revoke orders that fired SPLM leaders, thus reinstating them.
Amum was dismissed from the SPLM secretariat in July 2013 and Machar and others were fired after being accused of attempting a coup to overthrow president Kiir’s government – a charge they denied, counter-accusing Kiir of orchestrating violence in order to silence party leaders who were pushing for reforms.
Itto however said a meeting between SPLM chairman Kiir and his deputy Wani and her person resolved on Tuesday that the former officials be issued an amnesty, reinstated, provided with free movement and security as well as given access to their assets and bank accounts per reunification agreement.
“All the ground work for their coming has already been concluded yesterday. So we will be preparing as secretariat to receive them,” she said.
Officials of the SPLM-IO under the leadership of Machar however said the purported return to Juba was premature, adding many core issues on reforms and leadership of the party were yet to be agreed in order to supplement for a final peace agreement in Addis Ababa.
Observers also say Itto’s comments to take returning leaders to court may throw doubt about the seriousness of the Juba faction to commit itself to the orders and may be interpreted by opposition leaders as a tactic with the intention to lure them in to face charges.
The statement seems to contradict the purpose of the issued amnesty, said a political analyst who requested anonymity.
(ST)