SPLM/SPLA in Opposition, Jonglei State
Office of the Governor
Public Statement
By John Panther Mach
August 14, 2016 (Nyamilepedia) —— On behalf of Hon. Alier Samuel Ateny, the SPLM/SPLA – IO Governor of Jonglei State and indeed on my own behalf. I ‘d like to inform the entire leadership of SPLM/SPLA – IO, all the movement cadres from Jonglei State around the country and as well as in the diaspora that we’re still under the leadership of his Excellency Dr. Riek Machar Teny. We stand behind the principal objectives and values of the SPLM/SPLA.
We have noticed in the last few days, three members of SPLM/SPLA – IO (from Jonglei) went to the SSBC and claimed to be representing our state. These members are as follows;
- Hon. Deng Alier Kuol
- Thon Simon Thok
- John Matiop Achiek
The office of the Governor did not authorize anyone in Juba to represent the State of Jonglei in the current TGONU after the eruption of fighting in July. In light of the current events, I urge all the SPLM/SPLA – IO cadres from Jonglei State and especially from Greater Bor Community to stand firm with the IO leadership under the chairmanship of Dr. Riek Machar Teny and disassociate themselves from individuals mentioned above. We denounced such a move and strongly condemn it as it does not carry any truth on it.
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We do not support the current change in the movement leadership; therefore, we don’t recognize the appointment of Gen. Taban Deng Gai as the FVP. This appointment is one of several attempts by the enemies of peace wishing to divide the movement and dismantle the agreement by using Mr. Taban Deng Gai as a tool; this is evidenced by his called to abolish the existing of the two armies and the gradual integration period of 18 months as provided by the ARCISS.
Despite these short-lived political gains by comrades who were entrusted by the leadership to lead and negotiate on behalf of many, the pendulum has not changed. The liberation ideologies that had seeped into our collective imaginations have never been taken away, they might have temporarily succeeded in grabbing the seat but not the hearts and minds of many cadres. Do not get discourage by the sentimental and/or stereotypical depiction directed towards the movement and it’s cadres. These are back – breaking servitude aimed at preventing individuals from pursuing their choices.
Finally, the office of the Governor reiterates its support and commitment to the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (ARCISS). We welcome and appreciate decisions by the region and the international community to deploy regional protection force which will help revive the agreement.
John Panther Mach
SPLM/SPLA – IO Jonglei State Secretariat
Cc Hon. Governor Alier Samuel Ateny
Contact: johnpanthermach@gmail.com
