S. Sudanese rebel leader sacks officials over misconduct
June 19, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudan rebel leader, Riek Machar has sacked the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) representative in Australia, accusing him of misuse of power.
Machar, in a statement copied to the armed opposition’s national external relations chairperson, Stephen Kuol sacked Yien Machar Wang on Sunday.
“I do hereby issue suspension of Cde Yien Machar Wang from his duties as SPLM-IO Country coordinator in Australia due to his misconduct with the representative, the chairperson of Victoria chapter and the Secretary General of Victoria chapter at a farewell party on Monday 22/05/2017, while the members of Political Bureau were in attendance besides other incidents of gross misconduct. This suspension is effective immediately,” it partly reads.
Machar said misbehaviour endangers the armed opposition policy.
The armed opposition leader, who lives in South Africa, also formed a committee tasked to probe the misconduct of the sacked official.
“I authorise you to form a disciplinary committee, from members in Australia, according to Chapter V and VI in the code of conduct and disciplinary procedure to hear and determine violations or offences committed by Cde Yien Machar Wang,” he added.
The armed opposition leader, in a separate directive, also demoted Brigadier General David Okot from rebel rankings on Tuesday.
The SPLA-IO military deputy spokesperson Col. Lam Paul, told Sudan Tribune that the official was dismissed due to his misconduct.
Okot, a former division commander for Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria state, was recently promoted to Brigadier General by Machar.
The official’s dismissal, Lam said, was linked to his recent declaration of allegiance to the country’s First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai.
Meanwhile, the SPLA-IO Juba faction spokesman, Col. Gatluak Joak Yuot separately confirmed that Okot has joined the Gai-led faction.
He claimed thousands of troops in Equatoria region abandoned Machar in favour of the peace process initiated by South Sudan’s First Vice President.
According to Article 14:17 of the armed opposition movement’s (SPLM-IO) 2015 Pagak convention, the chairman is mandated to dismiss a member who disrespects or puts the armed opposition into disrepute.
(ST)