JUBA, 6th August, 2011 [Gurtong] – Two members of the South Sudan leading Opposition party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change, SPLM_DC; Mr. Sebit Gideon Mabok and Alor Kuol have resigned from the party as they vowed to form a new opposition party.

The two confirmed their resignation yesterday in a press conference they held in Juba, accusing the party of; failing to promote democracy as the party’s vision, but instead tribalism. They also said SPLM_DC activities have mainly been carried out at night, hence lack of transparency in the party.

They accused the party’s leader, Dr Lam Akol Ajawin for being a coward, and not able to stabilize the party’s activities in the Republic of South Sudan.
The defected members promised to form a new party called ‘Democratic Change’.

“I have resigned because I got to SPLM_DC to promote their vision for Democratic change and I didn’t get it,” Alor said. “It’s just there by name but not in practice. The party is just there for tribalism, it’s not working for the progress of the country.” He alleged.

“I’m assuring you of withdrawing my membership from SPLM_DC and others will follow me soon.” He added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sebit said that, “the first issue that Dr. Lam promised to address was corruption in South Sudan, but we found that corruption is too high in the SPLM_DC instead. One can’t tell where the funds are coming from and where they go.”

SPLM_DC was formed in 2009 after Lam broke away from SPLM, the breakaway of the two members is the latest blow to the party shortly after the declaration of the Independence of South Sudan, despite it being the leading opposition party in the new State.

However, the SPLM_DC party leader and Chairperson of the Opposition at the South Sudan National Assembly Mr. Onyoti Adigo yesterday morning ruled out the accusations of the defectors. They defended the party and accused the two ‘youths’ of joining the party with expectations of getting huge amounts of money.

“This is unfounded, they-defectors thought SPLM_DC has a lot of money,” said Mr. Onyoti Adigo. He also said that, threats from the ruling party, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, SPLM on his party has pressured the two members’ break away.

Mr. Onyoti consequently suffered last month when he and his fellow party members were attacked by the South Sudan Military Intelligence, (MI) in the party’s office. He lost one of his teeth after suffering a bitter torture and humiliation for three hours.

He has reported reported the matter to the National Assembly Speaker and to the South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir Mayardit but there has been no response from the two officials despite his immunities as an MP and Chairperson of the Opposition in the Country, something he accused the SPLM of masterminding.