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SSPM mired in power wrangle as senior leaders exchange sacking letters

Author: Eye Radio Reporter | Published: November 25, 2024

Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi (left) and Presidential Advisor Dr. Costello Garang. (photo: courtesy).

A brewing power struggle within a party under the SSOA coalition has prompted an exchange of dismissal and suspension letters involving its top politicians; Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi and Presidential Advisor Costello Garang.

The South Sudan Patriotic Movement (SSPM) has been divided between Abdelbagi and Garang – two of its most senior leaders in the transitional government.

The rift started on November 23 when the SSPM party held a meeting and dismissed Chairman Dr. Garang after passing a vote of no confidence against him. The political group then announced Vice President Abdelbagi as its interim chairperson.

In a statement seen by Eye Radio, SSPM said the reason for Garang’s ousting is lack of collaboration and cooperation with the party members.

“The reason for the expulsion of the former chairperson of the SSPM/A is violation the objective, mandates deliberate denial of the party, lack of collaboration and cooperation between him and the entire members of the party and some provisions within the part basic documents and principle,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Costello Garang issued a statement on the same day denouncing his dismissal and suspending Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi on charges of insubordination.

According to him, there is no provision in the party’s constitution that allows acting deputy chairperson or non-party members to dismiss the chairperson.

“There is no provision in our constitution that allows the acting deputy chairpersons or none party members to dismiss the chairperson,” he said.

“I want to reassure the public and our supporters that I remain the sole chairperson of SSPM. Effective today Hussein Abdelbagi Akol is suspended from SSPM on charges of insubordination pending on investigation, the party will determine his fate in the coming days in accordance with our constitution.”

The leadership of South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) said on Sunday that it was not given prior notice of the development within the party.

The alliance said it recognizes the leadership SSPM under Costello Garang in accordance with the party’s constitution. It further added urged SSPM to resolve their differences amicably.

“We the members of SSOA commit to a policy of no surprise meaning that we will give each other prior notice and details of a major step or announcement even when the subject might not be heard in the SSOA common Position,” he said.

“Despite the leadership was not given prior notice of these development, It would also want to make it amply clear it recognize. It would also want to make it amply clear its recognition of SSPM leadership led by Dr Costello, in conformity with article 5(4) of our charter.”

 

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