By Dogga Luwo
After nearly 14 years split, two rival factions of the United Democratic Front (UDF) party in Central Equatoria State have reconciled, pledging to unite and advance the party’s agenda.
UDF had been split by an administrative dispute in the top leadership, leading to the emergence of two factions: one led by Chairman Kamilo Byebye Paul and the other by Rabi Musa Agrab. The division stemmed from disagreements over management of party investments and internal affairs.
Announcing the reunification at a press conference on Friday, Feb 21, 2025, Chairman Kamilo Byebye Paul said they have put aside their differences and unite as one party.
He acknowledged that the split had a negative impact on the party’s political participation in Central Equatoria State.
“We the historical leaders of the United Democratic Front party (UDF) in Central Equatoria State, as the big brother of all the Ten States in South Sudan, have decided to rise above our personal interests and bitterness and reconcile our ranks without any preconditions,” Kamilo stated.
He called on all party members to unite and revive the UDF, stressing that the party needs to prepare for future political developments.
“Therefore we would like to appeal to all our members to unite, and together return to reactivate much as the current political situation of our country dictated on us. To prepare for all future political developments in our country,” he added.
With the reunification, the UDF plans to develop new programs and strategize for the upcoming 2026 elections.
Musa Rabi Agrab, former leader of the opposing faction and now Deputy Party Chairperson, expressed his satisfaction with the reunification.
He said unity has the potential to strengthen the party’s presence.
UDF party was founded in 2002 by the late Peter Abdulrahman Sule. It was previously one of the main opposition parties in the country since the Republic of South Sudan achieved its independence in 2011.