Rebel conference did not review top leadership: spokesman

April 25, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – A spokesperson of the leader of the opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) said the recent rebels leadership conference did not review the top leadership nor necessitated further endorsement as alleged in the media.

Media reports alleged that the conference which took place in the rebel held town of Pagak from 19 to 23 April had to again endorse the former South Sudanese vice-president and rebel leader, Riek Machar, to continue to lead their struggle against president Salva Kiir’s government.

Machar’s spokesman, James Gatdet Dak, however said the allegations were misleading, explaining that the question of leadership was not part of the agenda.

“This is not true. The leadership conference did not review the top leadership. It was not in the agenda because it was not necessary,” the rebel leader’s spokesperson told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

He said Machar was already endorsed in the Nasir conference in April last year, adding that it was not necessary to endorse him every year.

Dak said the allegation was “misleading” and tried to falsely suggest that there was discussion whether to replace or confirm Machar’s leadership.

He further said the conference successfully discussed a way forward in the ongoing peace process in Addis Ababa, further explaining that final resolutions were passed on Thursday and will soon be made public upon signature by the opposition leader.

The official spokesman also dismissed as incomplete and not final a number of resolutions which were leaked to the media from Pagak by unknown sources before the meeting ended.

The rebel leadership including top political and military leaders and state governors held a one-week meeting in the area to agree on the way forward in ending the war.

(ST)