SPLM defends Lam Both on controversial remarks making rounds on social media

Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has said it’s Secretary General Peter Lam Both was quoted out of context, after a video clip in which he alleges First Vice President Riek Machar having declared war against Dinka ethnic community went viral.

Bol Makueng, the SPLM Secretary for External Affairs claimed Lam’s speech was misinterpreted by people he referred to as hypocrites.

“He was telling people of South Sudan that don’t go ethnic and especially don’t go violent, and if you have the political program tell people of South Sudan to do it, but this has been taken out of context,” Makueng told journalists during a press conference held in Juba on Tuesday.

Lam purportedly made the remarks while speaking recently to a group of SPLM supporters in Kuajok town of Warrap State.

 President Salva Kiir Mayardit is currently in Warrap State where he addressed public rallies.

Kiir started his tour of greater Bhar El Ghazal region last week that has seen him visit Western Bhar El Ghazal and Northern Bhar El Ghazal States.

Kuol Atem Bol, SPLM’s Secretary for Political Affairs said Lam’s speech was delivered three months ago during a reception ceremony held at the SPLM Secretarial office Juba but not in Warrap State as alleged.

 “Peter Lam didn’t accompany President Salva Kiir to Warrap. He delivered this speech during his reception here,” Bol said.

He claimed that Lam is a victim of witch-hunt from his community who are jealous of his position in the SPLM.

 “They believe that any Nuer who doesn’t follow Riek Machar is a traitor and that is why they are campaigning against him,” Bol said.