By Yiep Joseph
An analyst notes that recent changes within Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) is likely to overlap roles and create a dilemma in party constitution.
This month, President Salva Kiir, who also serves as the SPLM chairman, dismissed Dr. James Wani Igga from his position as Vice President in the Unity government and appointed him as party secretary general, but also remains as the party’s first deputy.
Some critics say Dr. Wani’s appointment was a demotion. But President Kiir defended the decision, asserting that it was not a demotion but rather a strategic move to strengthen the party.
However, legal expert Paul Dhel Gum, who has held various government positions, expressed concerns pointing out that the SPLM constitution, originally established in 2008 and amended in 2016, clearly delineates the roles of party officials.
According to him, the current appointments contradict the outlined roles.
Gum emphasized that the constitution prohibits party officers from holding both top and junior positions simultaneously, as this leads to an overlap of responsibilities.
He stated that the recent development in the SPLM party is inconsistent with the party’s constitutional framework.
“This simply means, if the Chairman is absent, the SG, who is now doubling as the First Deputy, will be the Acting Chairman of the SPLM. This is a serious overlap of duties that can easily cause internal wrangling,” he said.
He added that in the absence of the SPLM chairman, practically, Dr. James Wani will hold three top positions: SG, first deputy chairman, and interim chairman of the party.
Dhel expressed that in the near future the party chairman will be forced by circumstances and the constitution to revoke one of the appointments, either First Deputy Chairman of the party or Secretary General, as required by the constitution.
“I opined Cde Wani by the virtue of taking an oath as SG has automatically lost the seat of the First Deputy Chairman in accordance with the constitution of the SPLM,” he said.
“Chairman (President Kiir) can now evoke Article 25(1)(a) and Article 26(2) to nominate the candidate among the members of the political bureau for the position of First Deputy and call the National Liberation Council for approval within 30 days. Else, the Chairman can revoke the appointment of the Secretary General and maintain him as the First Deputy Chairman and appoint a new Secretary General of the party,” he explained.
Analyst Dhel claimed that Dr. Wani’s assignment as SG and First Deputy Chairman of the party created confusion in roles and lines of reporting as stated in the constitution.
“Now, what is the legality of a party officer doubling as First Deputy Chairman and a Secretary General?” he questioned.
He explained that the SPLM constitution of 2008, amended in 2016, clearly spelled out the roles, duties, and hierarchy in the party.
Dhel said that Article 12 of the party constitution establishes the structures and defines their linkages, while Article 21 establishes the national secretariat headed by a secretary general and supported by two deputies.
On the separated statement, Kuony Thak Both expressed that President Salva Kiir, as party leader, has the power to relieve officials.
“We all know that in the SPLM Constitution, the president has a right to relieve and decree in whoever seems to work with him in his leadership,” he said.
He urged the members to cooperate and watch the current party politics and expect more ahead.
He called on the party members to read the party constitution and respect it in order to maintain peace and unity in the party.