General Buay’s group gets new secretary-general

NAIROBI – The South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A), an opposition group led by General Stephen Buay Rolnyang, has appointed Jal Nger Gai as its new secretary-general, the movement said, marking a reshuffle in its senior leadership.

The appointment followed Gai’s nomination by the SSPM Political Bureau on Aug. 17 and his endorsement by the National Liberation Council a week later, according to a statement signed by Buay. His confirmation took effect on Aug. 25.

“I am pleased to accept my appointment as SSPM Secretary General and I vow to uphold the principles and values of the Movement,” Gai said in a letter of acceptance. He pledged to serve as “an effective bridge between the party leadership, members and the public, fostering unity and progress of the Movement.”

Gai previously served as chairperson of the SSPM Committee for Finance and Resources Mobilisation and as adviser for Security and SSPA Affairs. He has also led national committees on political affairs, intelligence and resource mobilisation.

Haling from Rubkona County in Unity State, Gai studied information technology at Cavendish University Uganda, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2015. He began his military career in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in 2011 and later served in the SPLA-IO, where he rose to company commander between 2016 and 2017.

In his acceptance letter, Gai said he would “work tirelessly for the party’s growth and success” and urged SSPM members to unite behind his leadership.