August 26th 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – A rebel military commander belonging to the South Sudan opposition group, the South Sudan Patriotic Movement has said that he and other field military commanders have removed the leader of the group Costello Garang.
South Sudan Patriotic Movement (SSPM/A) is a South Sudan armed opposition group established last year and is based in Northern Bhar Al-Ghazal State. It is a part of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) which is a consortium of nine South Sudan opposition groups created in 2017 as well.
In a letter addressed to the interim leader of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) Gabriel Changson Lew, the self-imposed SSPM/AÂ leader Brig. Gen. Agany Abdel Bagi Ayii Akol said Dr. Costello Garang has been removed as the rebel group’s leader.
“The reasons I am writing this letter is to inform you about the changes that took place within SSPM/A at Mabiat Dot Baai village, the Headquarters of SSPM/A in Northern Bahr el Ghazal on 13th August 2018 where Dr. Costello Garang Ring was replaced by Gen. Agany Abdel-Bagi Akol as the Chairman and Commander in Chief of SSPM/A,” he said in the letter seen by the Nyamilepedia.
He further said the changes made in the SSPM/A leadership will not affect the ongoing peace process or the significance of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance at the talks as well as the membership of the group in the the SSOA.
“These changes in the leadership of SSPM/A will not affect our membership in the organization. SSPM/A supports the peace process currently taking place in Khartoum and abide by all agreements and treaties signed by SSOA and that we will work together to achieve objectives and goals of our glory alliance,” he further said.
