“I don’t think so”: SPLM-IG official rules out possibility of Angelina’s return

JUBA, MARCH 5, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – A senior member of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IG) faction under President Salva Kiir Mayardit has ruled out any possibility for return of Angelina Teny as minister of defense.

Peter Lam Both, the SPLM-IG Secretary-General told Sudans Post that there is going to be a meeting between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar on Monday, but ruled out possibility of any agreement that could guarantee Teny’s return.

“The two leaders will meet tomorrow. Let’s wait for the result of that meeting but I don’t think so. I don’t see any possibility for her to come back in that capacity. If the SPLM-IO want to bring her as minister of interior, then yes, she is welcome,” he said.

Kiir on Friday night sacked the SPLM-IO minister of defense Angelina Teny. He also sacked the SPLM-IG minister of interior and then issued yet another decree swapping the two ministries – giving the interior to the SPLM-IO and taking away the defense ministry.

The SPLM-IO reacted quickly to communicate to the public that the decision by Kiir was unilateral and so violates the revitalized peace agreement.

In a statement following a day-long meeting chaired by its leader Riek Machar on Saturday, the SPLM-IO condemned the removal of the minister of defense and urged the president to revoke his decision, but then reiterated its commitment to the implementation of the 2018 peace deal.