By Hou Akot Hou
Minister of Agriculture for Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Garang Chan Atak, has resigned from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
His resignation stems from escalating political tensions between his former party and the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), which have been increasingly apparent over recent months.
Mr. Atak announced his resignation on a Wednesday, marking the end of his role appointed under the revitalized peace agreement that allocated various governmental portfolios among the involved parties.
His tenure as Agriculture Minister was a crucial position as the state grapples with agricultural challenges and food security issues.
In a letter obtained by our news outlet, the minister articulated his decision, emphasizing his constitutional right to affiliate with a political party of his choosing.
He stated, “In exercise of my constitutional and legal rights to belong to a political party of my choice and guided by law, I hereby officially tender my resignation as a member of the SPLM-IO party and from the following positions: Northern Bahr El Ghazal State Chairperson of the Specialized Committee for Economic Planning within the SPLM-IO State Secretariat, Member of the SPLM-IO State Liberation Council, and Focal Person for the Aweil South SPLM-IO County Secretariat, effective from the date this was signed.”
Furthermore, he clarified, “I would like to inform the general public that I, along with my colleagues who have chosen to resign with me, have not yet made any definitive decision regarding affiliation with another political party.”
Political analysts have noted that the recent series of resignations from SPLM-IO can be traced back to the persistent clashes between the SPLA-IO and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
These ongoing conflicts have fueled concerns among politicians about their safety and viability within the current political landscape.