The SPLM-IO director of communications and public relations recounts events that forced Dr Machar to form a political party.
Why did the Pagak meeting resolve to form a new party?
In light of the introduction of tribal tendencies into the administration of SPLM and rejection of internal dialogue, the SPLM under President Salva Kiir may have become too deformed to be reformed. Our movement is considering transferring the original vision and objectives to the new political party.Â
The party is being formed not because there is something wrong with the vision and objectives of SPLM, but because the old order has lost its way.
What makes you believe that President Kiir is not interested in the reunification of SPLM?
The formation of the Jieng Council of Elders that continues to influence the operations of SPLM and the government in relation to other factions is not only illegal, but it is a betrayal of the legacy of the liberation struggle.
In addition, the SPLM in Government held an Extraordinary Convention in January during which they passed the basic documents of the party without the committees assigned to work on the issues according to the Arusha Accord having completed their work.
Is your movement going back on its support for the Arusha Accord?
The SPLM-In-Opposition is fully committed to the Arusha Agreement, which was to bring the SPLM together under one legally recognised leadership. The problem is that any decision made unilaterally by one faction of SPLM cannot be said to be the decision of the entire party.
Given the current circumstances, those who want unity under the mother party are free to do so, while those like us who want to to challenge liberation parties in Africa to deliver on the promises of the liberation struggle, are likely to look elsewhere.
What impact would a new party have on the implementation of the peace agreement?
The SPLM in Opposition is considering the option due to pressure from its followers while the main priority at the moment is the implantation of the agreement. The debate is ongoing still, and we have chosen Dr Dhiew Mathok as our provisional secretary general to start organising the party in the event there was a breakup of the SPLM.