Former Terekeka commissioner resigns from SPLM-IO, joins SPLM-IG

Former Terekeka County Commissioner George Wani Elia has resigned from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) and announced that he is joining the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government (SPLM-IG).

In a statement dated Sept. 15, Elia said his decision followed what he described as serious reflection on the political direction of South Sudan, the challenges facing its people and his responsibilities as a public leader.

He said his political convictions were no longer aligned with the direction of the SPLM-IO, making it difficult for him to remain within the opposition movement.

“I have reached the conclusion that my political convictions and assessments of the current national political direction are no longer consistent with the direction being pursued by the SPLM-IO,” Elia said.

He cited national unity, peace, stability, responsible leadership and effective governance among the issues influencing his decision.

Elia said he would now work within the SPLM-IG under President Salva Kiir Mayardit to promote peace, unity, development, stability and the interests of South Sudanese.

He said his decision was not motivated by personal gain or hostility toward individuals, but was based on his assessment of the country’s political direction.

“As South Sudanese, we need to focus on unity and togetherness toward nation building,” he said.

Elia, who previously served as commissioner of Terekeka County in Central Equatoria State, said he remained committed to serving citizens regardless of their political affiliation.

He thanked colleagues and political associates within the SPLM-IO for their cooperation and engagement during his time in the opposition movement and wished them well in their future political activities.

He said he looked forward to contributing to what he described as a stronger, united and prosperous South Sudan under the SPLM-IG.