Kiir accepts nomination for president in 2024 elections

JUBA, JULY 4, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – President Salva Kiir on Tuesday accepted – in front of thousands of his supporters in Western Bahr el Ghazal’s capital Wau – his nomination by the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) faction for president in the 2024 elections.

Kiir had earlier in the day left the capital Juba for Wau where he was expected to address thousands of supporters coming from different states of the Bahr el Ghazal region including the disputed Abyei Administrative Area.

Speaking to the supporters, Kiir thanked the people there and declared that he has accepted the nomination and he will run for president in the 2024 elections, the first of its kind since the world’s youngest country got independence from Sudan.

“Am deeply touched by your endorsement of me to be the SPLM flag bearer in 2024 and your continued support for our historic party gives me confidence that we stand together as we go towards elections next year,” he said.

“It is also on this basis that I wholeheartedly accept your endorsement. This is your endorsement and I have accepted it,” he added.

The president thanked the governors of Bahr el Ghazal region as well as the people there, saying they have supported the cause of the development of South Sudan including its defense against forces he did not name.

“For those people who are still doubting about the SPLM unity, today Bahr el Ghazal has spoken. To our five SPLM party chairpersons in the greater Bahr el Ghazal, please receive my deep gratitude for the confidence you bestowed on me,” he said.

“During the civil war, you sent thousands of recruits to the training camps, you provided food to the SPLA soldiers, and you served as transporters and carried ammunitions and provided intelligence where it was needed to save our war efforts.

“All these sacrifices were not in vain and today we have a country of our own because of your patriotic sacrifice. The SPLM has not forgotten your efforts and I stand here today on behalf of the party. I am here publicly thanking and reassuring you that the SPLM party is stronger and more united than ever before,” he added.