JUBA CITY, Aug. 26, 2024 – Mabior Riiny Lual, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), resigned from his parliamentary seat and his position on the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Sunday. Riiny addressed a scathing resignation letter to Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, who also serves as the chairperson of the South Sudan Patriotic Movement (SSPM) and leader of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
Riiny expressed deep disillusionment with the government, accusing the political leadership of failing the people of South Sudan. “I came to realize that we are misleaders and South Sudanese are unlucky to be led by political conmen,” Riiny wrote in his letter. “I had sincerely believed that opposition was going to change the political trajectory of our country by opposing the failed SPLM-led government and being the voice of the people.”
Riiny criticized the government’s lack of progress in addressing the country’s dire conditions, citing high illiteracy rates, inadequate healthcare, and widespread hunger. He condemned the misuse of public funds, noting that officials frequently seek medical treatment abroad while ordinary citizens suffer from preventable diseases.
“In my opinion, our daily thinking should be preoccupied with how we can save our people from poverty. But, since we are doing nothing to help our people, I see it fit to resign. I am resigning because serving in this government has become a mockery and a scam,” Riiny stated. “My resignation should also tell others that I am an independent thinker and I can quit when I believe what I am doing is against my belief and conscience.”
Riiny also took to social media, calling for the resignation of President Salva Kiir. “The best gift President Salva Kiir can offer South Sudanese this year is just for him to resign,” Riiny wrote on Facebook. “The man is taking the country down with him.”
Riiny concluded his resignation by stating that remaining in parliament would be a waste of time and energy, adding that he plans to serve South Sudan in other capacities as a private citizen.
