FDP Interim Chairperson Changkuoth Bichiok Reth said this expulsion followed Changson’s unilateral decision

By Aguok Chok

The leaders of the Federal Democratic Party (FDP) on Thursday dismissed its former chairperson, Gabriel Changson Chang, citing the violations of the party constitution by the latter.

 Addressing the press yesterday, the FDP Interim Chairperson Changkuoth Bichiok Reth said this expulsion followed Changson’s unilateral decision to expel the party’s Secretary-General (himself) without due process that created a significant crisis within the party.

Bichiok who took over the throne said any process of expelling or removing any member, particularly senior leaders must follow specific constitutional procedures.

“These procedures include an investigation by the disciplinary committee, a decision from the leadership council, and consultation with the party members. However, Changson’s actions were seen as a personal decision made without consultation or adherence to these protocols,” he said.

According to him, the actions taken by Gabriel Changson were not only against the constitution of their party but also aimed at sowing division within the leadership.

Bichiok further emphasized that “no individual, not even the chairperson, can act unilaterally to expel party members, especially without consulting the leadership or the disciplinary committee.”

According to the FDP leadership, controversy began on November 3, 2024, when Changson issued a statement expelling Changkuoth, the then Secretary-General of the FDP without providing specific reasons or referring to any violations.

Background to this crisis reveals internal party struggles triggered by a reshuffle of positions within the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) in October 2024.

A National Leadership Council meeting held on October 13 discussed the reshuffling of key positions, including the chairmanship of the Finance and Economic Planning Committee, which the FDP had been allocated. The party condemned the unilateral actions of the Right Hon. Speaker, Nunu Kumba, and requested a return to the previously allocated positions.

However, the FDP leadership said the situation took a more personal turn when Changson allegedly tried to influence party members, including Changkuoth, to refrain from taking the allocated committee position to further his hidden agenda.

Also, the interim chairperson further accused Changson of attempting to place his relatives in senior party positions, a claim that this publication was unable to verify.

“We have evidence that the former chairperson tried to appoint his relatives into key positions to consolidate power. This undermines the party’s commitment to merit-based leadership and its core values of unity and integrity.”

The interim chairperson, who has now assumed the role of the acting leader, called on the members to remain united. “We must stand firm against any attempt to divide our party,” he urged. “The interests of the party come first, and we will work to rebuild and strengthen FDP as a united force.”

The FDP leadership promised to remain committed to the peace process and continues to collaborate with other parties within the SSOA to achieve the country’s objectives.

Bichiok reaffirmed their support for the government of South Sudan and its commitment to national stability and development.

“These procedures include an investigation by the disciplinary committee, a decision from the leadership council, and consultation with the party members. However, Changson’s actions were seen as a personal decision made without consultation or adherence to these protocols,” FDP Interim Chairperson Changkuoth Bichiok.