By Philip Buda Ladu and William Maduok
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), a key partner in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), has protested what it described as the “unilateral” dismissal of two of its senior officials in government.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced a series of decrees on Monday evening, broadcast on state-run SSBC Radio/TV, which included the dismissal of several officials, including two SPLM-IO members: Western Equatoria State Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba and National Minister of Health Yolanda Awel Deng.
Kiir did not name immediate replacements for the positions, which fall under the SPLM-IO’s docket within the power-sharing agreement.
In statements, SPLM-IO, led by First Vice President Riek Machar, objected to the dismissals, citing lack of consultation.
The party argues that such decisions should be made in consultation with coalition partners, according to the revitalized peace agreement.
Puok Both Baluang, the Acting Press Secretary, in the Office of the First Vice President, and Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of SPLM/A-IO said the President’s action was not made in consultation with the SPLM-IO leadership as required in spirit of the agreement.
“We would like to inform our members and the general public that today’s presidential decrees issued by H.E. President Salva Kiir, relieving Hon. Yolanda Awel as National Minister of Health and H.E. Alfred Futuyo Karaba as Governor of Western Equatoria State, represent a unilateral decision,” Puok stated.
Machar’s mouthpiece stated that “the SPLM-IO leadership did not decide on their removal. Therefore, we consider this another serious violation of the Revitalized Agreement by the SPLM-IG.”
Mr. Puok further highlighted the criterion under which the president can endorse any changes in the unity government that particularly affect the opposition’s portfolio in the R-TGoNU.
“We wish to state unequivocally that when the SPLM-IO leadership decides to replace any of its members serving in government structures under the R-ARCSS, the party will nominate a replacement by notifying the president concurrently” he explained.
Pal Mai Deng, SPLM-IO spokesman and chairperson of the National Information and Communication Committee disclosed that they will convene to discuss the Ppresident’s unilateral decision and the unfolding situation in Western Equatoria State.
“The SPLM-IO Political bureau shall meet today (Tuesday) to discuss the unilateral removal of ex-governor Futuyo and Health Minister Yolanda Awel and the looming crisis in Tombura and Negero counties” Mai wrote in a statement.
Mr. Mai said an ugly scene manifested in Yambio following the unilateral removal of the Western Equatoria State, former governor, Alfred Futuyo Karaba.
The SPLM-IO spokesman stated that an unidentified armed group attacked the governor’s residence shortly after the decree dismissing him was announced, forcing Futuyo out of Yambio town, fearing for his safety.
Mai further noted another attack in Tombura, which saw Angelo Davide, the Azande youth leader being attacked in his house at Nabanga along Tombura, Dingimo by suspected SSPDF forces, in which his home was burnt down and he was forced to take cover in the forest.