JUBA, South Sudan, July 25, 2024 – Reports emerged on July 23, 2024, claiming that 400 members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) from Koch County defected to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Government (SPLM-IG). However, Cde. Gattiek Wichar, the Youth Focal Point for SPLM-IO in Koch County, dismissed these claims as exaggerated and propagandistic.
The event, broadcast on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), showed a group of students and youths from Koch County at the SPLM-IG General Secretariat declaring their allegiance to SPLM-IG. While political realignments are commonplace, Wichar refuted the reported number of defectors as fabricated, asserting that only five individuals, verified through SPLM-IO membership records, had switched allegiance.
Wichar emphasized that the majority of SPLM-IO members remain committed to the movement’s principles under the leadership of Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon. He noted that some of those who declared support for SPLM-IG had never been active participants in SPLM-IO activities.
In his statement, Wichar accused political actors of manipulating the defection story to further their ambitions, calling the claims “well-framed lies.” He reaffirmed the steadfast support of SPLM-IO members in Koch County for their leadership, positioning the SPLM-IO as the enduring hope for South Sudan.
Contact:
Cde. Gattiek Wichar
Koch County SPLM-IO Youth Focal Point
Juba, Republic of South Sudan
