SPLM Summit Opens with Ban on Private Lobbying for Posts

(JUBA) – The Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement has ordered a full reorganisation of the party and an end to private lobbying for government posts, as the ruling party prepares for general elections.

Chairman Salva Kiir Mayardit gave the directive on the first day of an SPLM leadership summit that began in Juba.

The five day gathering brought together the Chairman’s deputies, the Secretary General and his deputies, members of the Political Bureau and the National Liberation Council, SPLM State Chairpersons and Secretaries, the Executive and Parliamentary caucuses, and the SPLM Leagues.

Kiir told the assembly that the nation has been stuck too long in a cycle of endless transition. He said the census and constitution making process had been separated from the elections to clear the path for voting:

“We have amended the roadmap to finally grant the people their fundamental right to choose their leaders.” 

He urged the party to drop old habits and take up a culture of merit:

“We must introduce modern ideas and policies to streamline the SPLM vision with the current expectations of our people.”

He stated that peace remains the foundation of his leadership and the only way to secure the gains of liberation. He challenged the gathering to produce a resolution that will make the SPLM great again.

The Chairman then gave a firm order to stop the practice of outside influence in governance. He said the time of community based lobbying and private recommendations was finished.

He made it clear that the SPLM will not operate outside its own structures, and that individuals must be screened, vetted and recommended only by the party for any government appointment.

Before the Chairman spoke, First Deputy Chairman James Wani Igga gave a reflection on the movement’s journey. He honoured the revolutionary heroes and reminded those present of the heavy sacrifices made along the way.

He noted that the Chairman is the last remaining founding member of the SPLM and SPLA, a leader who survived the dangers of history and whose steady resolve has remained the movement’s anchor through decades of struggle.

Secretary General Akol Paul Kordit then set out the party’s state of readiness. He praised the Chairman’s wisdom in calling the summit and outlined a shift towards internal discipline, strict membership registration and the issuing of party identity cards.

He said the movement is closing the gap between generations through special cadre training so that the party stays strong and forward looking with no gap in leadership. He backed the Chairman’s order, saying all party members must follow the new standards where formal party recommendations replace private lobbying.

The summit was opened by Central Equatoria Chairperson Emmanuel Adil Anthony, who hosted the gathering. He praised the Chairman’s firm leadership and vision in steering the nation towards stability.

He also commended the Secretary General and the National Secretariat for putting together a timely effort that has brought new energy to the movement ahead of the general elections.

The general message at the summit was that the SPLM is moving forward as one body, standing firmly behind its flag bearer Salva Kiir Mayardit with a fresh pledge to peace and the fulfilment of the liberation struggle’s promise.

Meanwhile, the SPLM Secretary General has held separate talks with SPLM leaders from the Collo Kingdom, drawn from four counties of Upper Nile State: Fashoda, Panyikang, Makal and Manyo. The talks covered political participation, election preparations and the joining of Agwelek members into the ruling party.

Speaking for the group, SPLM Liberation Council member Daniel Thabo Nyibong formally declared the Agwelek membership’s decision to join the SPLM. He described it as a move that brings together a single political front for the Great Fashoda community.

He promised the party leadership the community’s full support in the coming general elections and stressed the need for active participation in both the vote and future government as a way to lift the grassroots.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Kordit set out the SPLM’s wider pledges on public welfare and political empowerment. He listed targeted work in public health services, education and jobs, calling them election focused development goals for the region.

“Agwelek members are welcome, and SPLM is ready to organise functions to welcome them into the party on 30th July,” Dr Kordit said.

He repeated the party’s commitment to restoring political rights and putting in place policies aimed at focused community empowerment as the country moves towards the elections.