EXPLAINER | What does new SPLM-IO logo stands for?

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny unveiled a new logo for the group ahead of elections being slated by the parties for the end of the transitional period in the first half of 2023.

The logo is a visionary red Phoenix bird instilled on a white background encircled by concentric colored rings starting inside with blue, white, green and white on the outside to showcase the patriotic and transformative agenda for nation building.

The logo features also on the white background golden rays emanating from the Phoenix and the SPLM (IO) slogan: Viva SPLM (IO) Viva, and on the inner blue ring the SPLM(IO) motto: Freedom, Peace, Justice and Prosperity.

So, what does the logo and all that it contains means?

According to the main armed opposition group, “the Phoenix bird symbolizes: Resilience, Immortality, Resurrection, Power and Victory, while the “golden rays symbolize the vision for prosperity and happiness of the people.”

The group says the red color of the Phoenix “symbolizes the blood of martyrs and comradeship” while the blue colors “symbolizes patriotism, loyalty and harmony and as well as the colors of the sky, rivers and lakes.”

The white color “symbolizes unity, wisdom, stability and peace” and the green color “symbolizes agriculture, natural resources and prosperity,” while the official color of the flag is cobalt blue.”

“Freedom, Peace and Justice (IO) is the people’s Choice.” The group says.