JUBA – South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) faction led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit has officially removed First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny and Pagan Amum as members of the party.
Machar, who fled the country in 2013 to form his own faction of the SPLM, will be replaced by Vice-President James Wani Igga who will now be the first deputy chair.
He will be deputised by Daniel Awet Akot and Kuol Manyang Juuk as second and third deputy party chairpersons, respectively.
“Comrade James Wani Igga is the new first deputy chairman,” SPLM Secretary for Political Affairs and Mobilization, Kuol Atem Bol said.
“Riek Machar has rebelled against the party. Why should he continue to be deputy chair and [yet he has already] established a party?” he asked.