By Theophious Ochang
At least 58 members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM -IO) in Kapoeta North County, Eastern Equatoria state, defected to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM IG) last Wednesday.
Among the members that defected to the SPLM include Peter Lomoe Lokom, the SPLM-IO Youth League chairperson, Jackson Lokipi Lopir, SPLM-IO Information Secretary, Louis Lokai Lopeom, SPLM-IO Youth League member, Aida Marko Lodoci, SPLM-IO Women League chairperson among other 54 members.
Addressing the media in Torit on Tuesday, Siro Silvio Ewak, the Information Officer for the SPLM party in Eastern Equatoria state confirmed that the opposition members joined the ruling party on the 12th of February last week.
“Fifty-eight members of SPLM-IO, the main opposition party in South Sudan, joined SPLM on Wednesday 12th February 2025 in Kapoeta North town of Riwoto,” Ewak said.
He said the defectors declared their position during a rally conducted by the SPLM Party in Riwoto, Najie, Lamenyen and Paringa, Longeleya and Katiko Payams of Kapoeta North County.
“This revolutionary decision was made by our youth, women, and elders of Kapoeta North during a campaign rally organized by the SPLM in Eastern Equatoria State secretariat, organized in Riwoto town, Najie, Lamenyen and Paringa Payams of Kapoeta North and Longeleya, Moruongor and Katiko Payams of Kapoeta South,” he said.
According to the spokesperson, the members expressed their dissatisfaction and frustration from the SPLM –IO, claiming the party had failed to address key members’ interests.
When contacted for comment, Marko Lokidor Lochapio, Secretary General for the SPLM-IO Party in Eastern Equatoria state said his party was not aware of any defection of their members.
“As a party, we are not aware of any defection. We have not received an official communication. We will verify then give feedback,” he said.