Kiir ally joins Machar as SPLM-IO kicks off nationwide membership registration

JUBA – A senior South Sudan politician belonging to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit has declared his intention to join the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny.

The decision comes as the main armed opposition Machar-led group launched a nationwide membership registration seen by many as the group’s launch of preparatory steps as it vowed to face the ruling SPLM party in elections slated for end of the transitional period if crucial transitional tasks provided for in the revitalized peace agreement are implemented.

In a statement seen by Sudans Post, Thon Chagai Rink, former SPLM- Youth League National Secretary for External Relations and former president of South Sudanese Students Union in Uganda, said he has decided effective immediately to join the SPLM-IO under First Vice President Machar to push for reforms as the parties implement the revitalized peace agreement.

“With due honor and pleasure, I would like to express my intention to join SPLM-IO under your able and consistent leadership,” he said in the brief statement a copy of which was extended to Sudans Post.

“My interest for joining SPLM-IO is to participate in the revitalized Peace agreement for the resolution of conflict in the Republic of South Sudan which focuses on the good governance principles which includes the rule of law, transparency, accountability, free and fair election,” he added.