By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir has declared it is time for leadership transition to welcome new generation, while honoring legacy of the country’s founders.
President Kiir, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), made the remark on Thursday during the swearing-in of the party’s deputies.
Among the party leaders who took the oath and assumed new leadership roles in the SPLM were Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel as SPLM First Deputy Chairperson, Mary Apai as Second Deputy, and Simon Kun Puoch as Third Deputy Chairperson.
Kiir expressed that it is time to welcome new generation of leaders to carry the party forward.
“I am proud to officially welcome a new generation of leadership, the new appointed First Deputy, Second Deputy, and the Third Deputy chairpersons of the SPLM are all from new generation,” Kiir said.
President Kiir, however, acknowledged challenges related to the transition and urged SPLM members never to allow it to divide them.
“Fellow comrades, brothers and sisters, transitions can be difficult. Change can bring division, but I ask you all: do not let this moment divide us. Let it unite us,” Kiir implored.
“As these leaders are stepping into roles once held by our founding comrades, the liberation leaders who carried the mission and vision of the SPLM through the darkest times, we thank our comrades,” he added.
Kiir reiterated that the country would remain committed to ensuring those who sacrificed their lives continue to be respected and honored.
“We honor their sacrifices and their contributions to this party and this country. They can never be replaced. Your place in the history of SPLM will remain to be remembered,” he affirmed.
The President, in his capacity as Chairperson of the SPLM, called on party members and the public to unite and work together, never allowing the transition to interfere with their unity.
The President emphasized the focus on unity, adding that the party should distance itself from internal competition.
“The SPLM must remain strong, must remain united, must remain focused. We are not in competition with each other; we are in service to the people,” he concluded.
On his part, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, Vice Chairperson of the party expressed commitment to the task given to the young people and called for public support. He stated that his appointment to a top seat in the party was the result of a prepared path.
“Every step I take prepared me for this moment, and to my colleagues, I ask for your time, I ask for your support. Let us walk this path together. Fellow comrades, now it is time to rise,” he said.
“Let every member, every supporter, every leader of SPLM take responsibility for our image and our vision,” he added.
He further stated that due to the resilience shown in the liberation struggle by the “Red Army,” the young people would be able to unite the people and move the country forward.
Early this week, Kiir removed Dr. James Wani as the party’s first deputy chairman and appointed Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel as his replacement.
Kiir also revoked the appointment other two deputies, Kuol Manyang Juuk as second deputy and Daniel Awet Akot as third deputy.
He then confirmed Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel as the first deputy, Mary Apai Ayiga as second deputy and Simon Kun Pouch as the third deputy.