Deng Dau calls for grassroots-led SPLM rejuvenation as he leads WES primaries

Upon his reception in Yambio, the Chairperson of the SPLM High-Level Committee for Congresses and Primary Elections for Western Equatoria State called for choices based on genuine preferences of party members rather than external influence.

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Chairperson of the SPLM High-Level Committee for Congresses and Primary Elections for Western Equatoria State, Deng Dau Deng, has called on party members in the State to take ownership of the movement’s rejuvenation process, pledging that they will be allowed to nominate and elect their preferred representatives without external interference.

Deng made the remarks on Monday during his reception as the SPLM national delegation at Yambio Airport, where he was welcomed by Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, alongside government officials, party members, community leaders, chiefs, traders, civil society representatives, traditional dance groups and members of the public.

The delegation’s arrival forms part of the SPLM’s ongoing preparations for party congresses and primary elections in Western Equatoria to reorganise party structures and strengthen participation from the grassroots to the national level.

Addressing party members, Deng said the committee had been mandated by the SPLM national leadership to oversee the rejuvenation exercise and ensure that the process reflects the choices and aspirations of ordinary party members.

He explained that the exercise would begin at the Boma level before progressing to Payam, County and State levels, with representatives eventually participating in the National Convention.

“What we want is your support and understanding. Let the people go to their Bomas, come to the Payams and proceed to the counties. We need cooperation and understanding. This time around, we are taking the power back to you so that you can nominate people of your choice. Nobody will be imposed on you,” Deng said.

He urged members to participate responsibly, emphasizing that the selection of representatives should be based on the genuine preferences of party members rather than external influence.

Deng also highlighted Western Equatoria’s historical contribution to the SPLM during the liberation struggle, recalling the state’s previous role in the movement’s internal political processes, including its nomination of President Salva Kiir Mayardit as a preferred flag bearer.

He called on Governor Badagbu, county commissioners and other local leaders to cooperate with the committee and ensure that its activities proceed without disruption.

The committee chairperson further stressed that the exercise would be conducted in line with the party’s regulations and code of conduct.

“We want the work to be done purely according to the regulations and the code of conduct set by the Secretary-General and the chairperson of the SPLM. We do not want anyone to interrupt or influence this particular process,” he added.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa pledged his administration’s support to the committee, assuring the delegation that the state government would provide a secure and conducive environment for the exercise.

Badagbu said the caretaker government’s responsibility was to facilitate the committee’s work, maintain security and prevent unnecessary interference in the party’s internal activities.

“The responsibility of the caretaker government is to provide a conducive environment for all cadres and the High-Level Committee to carry out their work without interruption. We will do everything possible to maintain security and ensure that the committee’s activities are not disrupted,” Badagbu said.

He encouraged SPLM members to participate in the nomination process, beginning at the Boma level and progressing through the party’s administrative structures to the National Convention.

The governor also called for unity and cooperation, saying the process offered members an opportunity to exercise their political rights within the movement and contribute to determining its future leadership.

“Time has come for the same support that Western Equatoria gave the SPLM in 1990 to be demonstrated again. Now the power has been given back to you to elect the members you need, from the Boma to the Payam, from the Payam to the County, and from the County to the State and eventually to the National Convention,” he said.

The committee’s arrival comes as the SPLM intensifies preparations for its internal congresses and candidate-selection processes ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections.

The planned exercise is expected to cover all ten counties of Western Equatoria State, with party members participating in the reorganization of structures and nomination of representatives at different levels.

Both Deng and Governor Badagbu called for cooperation, unity and a peaceful environment, stressing that the success of the exercise would depend on active participation by party members and support from local authorities.