By Yiep Joseph
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and Army In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) Caucus of Warrap State has called on President Salva Kiir to reinstate former Western Equatoria State governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba and Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng.
On Monday, President Salva Kiir relieved Western Equatoria state governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba and health minister Yolanda Awel Deng, among other officials.
Alfred Futuyo Karaba and Yolanda Awel Deng are members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and Army In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO).
In response, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, who also serves as Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of SPLM-IO, issued a statement affirming the Political Bureau’s stance, emphasizing that the dismissals violated the peace agreement since it lacked consultations.
The SPLM-IO’s top decision-making body, the Political Bureau, calls for the immediate reinstatement of the officials.
To add their voice to the call for reinstatement of Alfred Futuyo Karaba and Yolanda Awel Deng, the SPLM/A-IO Caucus of Warrap State convened issued a press statement on Friday.
The Caucus expressed their disappointment in a position statement signed by leadership and members, which was read out to journalists during a press conference held at SPLM-IO party headquarters in Juba on Friday.
The statement came after the caucus convened an extraordinary meeting.
The statement which was read out to journalists by Juliano Danga Dudu on behalf of the Caucus, called for immediate instatement, adding that the decision to relieve opposition members without consultation violated the peace agreement.
“The SPLM/A-IO Caucus of Warrap State in Juba appeals to H.E. Gen. Salva Kir Mayardit, President of the Republic, to reinstate Hon. Yolanda Awel Deng Juac, Minister of Health Back to her Position and also reinstate General Alfred Futuyo Karaba to his position as governor of Western Equatoria State,” Danga said in a statement.
The Caucus also raised concerns over the suspension of Twic County commissioner by the governor and called for lifting of the suspension.
“The SPLM/A-IO Caucus of Warrap State also denounces the illegal and unjustifiable suspension of Hon. Adhar Akok Adordit, Commissioner of Twic County of Warrap State by H.E. Gen. Francis Marial Abur Bol, Governor of Warrap State,” the statement read.
The group called on President Kiir to direct the Warrap state governor to lift the suspension of the Twic County commissioner, citing that it is a violation to suspend other party members from office without consultation.
The Caucus appealed to the President to consider consultations with the peace parties on matters of appointment, suspension, and dismissal as stated in the peace agreement.
“The SPLM/A-IO Caucus of Warrap State in Juba calls upon H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic, to reconsider Article 1.13 Replacement and Removal Procedures enshrined in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which requests peace partners for consultations in matters related to the peace agreement In order to reach collegial decisions, this is to safeguard the transitional period”, the statement read.
the group reiterated SPLM/A-IO commitment toward peace and development in the country.