A group of senior members from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Rubkona County, Unity State, has officially defected to the SPLM-IG, pledging allegiance to President Salva Kiir.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, party insiders confirmed that the group—led by the former Rubkona County Commissioner—had decided to leave SPLA-IO and align themselves with the ruling party. One of the defectors stated that joining a political party is a constitutional right in South Sudan, noting that politics requires careful calculation.
“Politics is a different game,” the insider said. “When you calculate well, it works for you. When you calculate wrongly, it harms you. Today, we proudly announce our alignment with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government.”
The defectors were warmly received by SPLM-IG officials and supporters in the Unity State capital, where jubilant crowds dressed in red party T-shirts gathered to celebrate. Supporters sang, danced, and chanted slogans for more than two hours as part of the welcoming ceremony.
Later in the day, the newly defected members addressed party supporters at the SPLM-IG headquarters in Unity State. The event was attended by senior state government officials and party leaders, marking the formal declaration of their defection.
Meanwhile, the SPLA-IO Chairperson in Unity State, Tor Tungwar, acknowledged the departure of the group. He described the defectors as committed members who had dedicated significant effort to serving the party despite numerous challenges.
“The party respects individual freedom of choice,” Tungwar said, expressing appreciation for the services rendered by the defectors during their time with SPLA-IO. Currently serving as Deputy Governor of Unity State, Tungwar emphasised that the opposition movement continues to enjoy strong grassroots support across the state.
He further suggested that some individuals had chosen to prioritise personal ambitions over party loyalty, describing the timing of the defection as unfortunate but reaffirming SPLA-IO’s resolve to continue its political struggle.
