JUBA — South Sudan’s Vice President for Economic Cluster and newly appointed deputy chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, vowed on Thursday to “support and protect” President Salva Kiir Mayardit from internal or external humiliation.
Speaking during his swearing-in in Juba on Thursday, VP Bol reiterated his unwavering support and loyalty to President Kiir and the SPLM.
“I will study you, guide you, support you, and protect you from any humiliation, whether external or internal, and I am sure that your legacy will remain that forever,” Bol said.
Bol reaffirmed his stand in defining the ruling party and nation.
“To you, to each of you, our leaders, we humbly ask for your blessings and prayers. I promise that I will not let you down,” he said.
“I will carry the vision and the vision of the SPLM with the same conviction that you still live from the beginning until this very moment.”
Bol said SPLM is the only party that can bring lasting peace to the people of South Sudan.
“Our SPLM is the only party that can achieve peace for all people, protect the legacy of our mothers, maintain the promise of independence, and deliver a better life for all South Sudanese men, women, and children.”
He said political parties with private armies will not be part of the peace process and the 2026 election process.
“As we all know, elections must be held in 2026, without exception. And we are determined that’s our leader. We are going for 2026.”
He called upon the people of South Sudan to denounce armed groups operating outside the law.
“We need to be at peace. Only through the rule of law, national unity, and legitimate security structures can we have a peaceful and functioning country,” he said.
“Let us come together as one people in the spirit of dialogue. Love for our nation. Let us have value, demand, protect our democracy, and secure peace in our community.”
