April 17, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — South Sudan’s former TGONU Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Dak Duop Bichiok, and his group did not only defect from one faction of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity but also violated the Coronavirus Task Force bylaws that are being overseen by his former boss, Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
The political gathering, which welcomed interested members from other factions, was held in a tiny room in Mauna Classic Hotel in Juba, a space that could barely fit over 25 people, against the recent precautionary measures that are being enforced by health authorities, national security and police.
The meeting was attended by approximately 30 people, however, the defecting members of the SPLM/A(IO) were listed to be 10 people.
The group called on the public to respect their decisions to defect from Dr. Machar’s SPLM/A(IO) saying that it is their right to join political camp of their desire.
“Finally, we took this decision because we believe peace has come. Every citizen should go about what pleases them. We believe politics is a team game which should only be played by “like minds”
“We strongly felt in different with the way the chairman run SPLM/A(IO), we see no direction or vision”
The defecting party plea to the SPLM/A(IO) membership and the general public to spare them as they have decided to move on saying that they have a right to their decision.
“That is why we have decided to resign. It is our right” The continued.
“Therefore, as we respect the rights of those who remain with the SPLM/A(IO), we expect our rights to be respected”.
It is not sure whether or not the SPLM/A(IO) chairman, Dr. Machar will attempt to address their defections and the cracks within his party; however, the defecting authority have set up their minds to look for greener pastures elsewhere.
Machar is facing much criticism for defection after defection but there is very little he could do since the damage is done.
The SPLM/A(IO) has lost over 75% of its founding leadership; however, a few politicians from the other side are crossing over to seek for greener pastures within the SPLM/A(IO).
Machar lost seniors generals recently but at the same time he also received two of his fierce critics, Ambassador Telar Ring Deng and Hon. Kok Ruea.
The defection of Hon. Dak Duop came at a time of lockdown when political gatherings are banned and it remains to be seen whether or not the disgruntled leaders would be held accountable or tested for Coronavirus should need be.
The decision to defect and hold social gathering do not only hit Dr. Machar on the face as the chairman of the SPLM/A(IO) but also as the Deputy Chairman of the Task Force who oversees the day-today progress on Coronavirus prevention in the country.
