National, News

SPLM calls for unity against external pressure

By Yiep Joseph

Secretary General of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Peter Lam Both, has urged ruling parties across Africa to unite and form a stronger collective voice on the international stage.

Speaking at the second congress of Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party (PP) in Addis Ababa, Lam expressed that there is need for ruling parties to protect each other from what he called “Foreign bullying.”

He also called for collaboration to improve service delivery and shield African nations from external pressures.
“I want to propose that the ruling parties in Africa must stand together to protect our interests in the international organizations where smaller countries are being bullied,” Lam said.

He advised the African leaders to be cautious about donations or aid, noting that such assistance usually comes with conditions.

“The SPLM also believes that the international community is a world of interest; no country can help another without condition, even if the so-called aid or assistance is not really aid,” he said.

He promised that the SPLM would continue to work hand in hand with other parties to ensure that peace and service delivery is achieved.

“The SPLM vows to work hand in hand with the Prosperity Party and other like-minded political parties in the region to transform the lives of our people,” he added.

He also praised the educational program, noting that this year alone, South Sudan has received 632 scholarships from Ethiopia, which is a significant achievement.

“The two countries are also embarking on physical infrastructure development cooperation in the form of road construction, especially the Paloch–Mathiang–Maiwut–Pagak Road, which would link the oil production areas in South Sudan to Ethiopia,” he added.

He expressed that South Sudan in General and SPLM in particular would continue to cooperate with Prosperity Party in various aspects.

“We would like to extend cooperation and partnership in the following thematic areas, including investment, mechanized agriculture, construction of airports and ports, enhancement of river transport, cooperation and partnership on energy, electrification, and construction of hydropower.” He said.

He reiterated the need for African countries to embark on home-driven solutions.

“If other countries outside the continent invite us to address our own problems, then a solution for the African problem will not be tangible,” he said.

Meanwhile, in his opening session of the congress, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated that the Prosperity Party has delivered on its promises by transforming the country’s economy and promoting inclusivity.

He said the party has emerged as a leader in political and economic reform, emphasizing the importance of innovation and engagement in addressing Ethiopia’s long-standing issues.

Abiy underscored the importance of the party congress in evaluating progress, formulating new strategies, and electing capable leaders.

 

Leave a Comment