Juba, South Sudan – 13th November 2022 – On 11th November 2022, four Opposition Parties in South Sudan, namely the People’s United Forum (PUF), African People’s Congress (APC), People Progressive Party (PPP), and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed a political umbrella called the “Coalition of Opposition Parties” abbreviated as “COOP.” the statement extended to Thejubamirror news Desk.
The primary purpose of the Coalition is to help mobilize, organize and speak on behalf of all likeminded political parties and carry out political activities to ensure that the constitutional rights of all citizens and parties enshrined in the constitution and Political Parties Act are respected and to advocate for the opening and functioning of the Political Parties Council, to support, facilitate and coordinate the work of political parties in the Country, as stipulated and provided for by law.
The COOP will act as a united body that will collectively fight for a free political space in South Sudan, monitor the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCISS) and the roadmap, and engage the Transitional Government of National Unity to fund key institutions necessary for timely and successful conduct of the General Elections in 2024 such as the Political Parties Council, Elections Commission, Constitutional Review Commission, among others.
As an independent umbrella of opposition parties, the COOP is guided legally by the provision of Article 25 (1), read together with section 15 (1) (b) of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011, as amended and South Sudan Political Parties Act, 2012, respectively which provide for the freedom of assembly and association including the right to join or form a political party by any adult South Sudanese of sound mind. The Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP) membership is open to all South Sudanese non-violent opposition parties who are not signatories to the R-ARCISS and are based in South Sudan. Its leadership comprises Member Political Parties’ representatives. Its current composition is drawn from the founding members; however, as many partners join the coalition, occasional restructuring and accommodation of other political parties in top leadership shall be considered accordingly.
Signed,
HON. DR. GAI CHOL PAUL
Chairman of the Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP) and
Chairman of the People’s United Forum (PUF)
HON. ADV. GABRIEL KUOT AKOK
Deputy Chairman of the Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP) and Chairman of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)
HON. DENG-BIL WILLIAM AGUER
Secretary of the Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP) and
Chairman of the African People’s Congress (APC)
HON. DENG BOL ARUAI BOL
Spokesperson of the Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP) and
Chairman of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
