Hussein Abdelbagei, a prominent member of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), has expressed his interest in running for the presidency in the 2024 general elections. Abdebagei’s announcement comes amid a power struggle within SSOA, as he seeks to oust Dr. Lam Akol, the current leader of the alliance, and secure the SSOA ticket for his presidential bid.
According to sources close to Abdebagei, he has been quietly building support among SSOA members who are dissatisfied with Akol’s leadership and his alleged failure to deliver on the alliance’s objectives. Abdelbagei reportedly believes that he has a better chance of defeating President Salva Kiir in the upcoming elections and bringing about the change that South Sudan desperately needs.
However, Abdebagei’s ambitions have put him at odds with Akol, who has refused to step down as SSOA’s leader and has accused Abdebagei of trying to undermine the alliance’s unity. Akol has also questioned Abdelbagei’s qualifications and experience, arguing that he lacks the necessary political and leadership skills to lead the country.
The political wrangling has raised concerns about the stability of SSOA and its ability to mount a credible challenge to President Kiir in the upcoming elections. SSOA was formed in 2018 to unite several opposition groups, including the National Salvation Front (NAS), the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), and the South Sudan United Front (SSUF), and to provide a viable alternative to Kiir’s government.
Observers fear that the infighting could weaken SSOA’s chances of winning the elections and could even lead to the alliance’s collapse. They have called on Abdebagei and Akol to put their personal ambitions aside and work together to strengthen SSOA and present a united front to the South Sudanese people.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how the power struggle within SSOA will be resolved. However, one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the future of South Sudan hangs in the balance.
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