JUBA – The South Sudan Patriotic Movement (SSPM) led by Dr. Costello Garang Riing Lual has expelled former Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, citing gross misconduct and violations of the social gathering’s structure, Costello mentioned in an announcement on Thursday.
The determination follows months of inside tensions that started in November final yr, when Hussein tried to take away Costello as social gathering chief after a contentious South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) assembly with President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The dispute erupted after SSOA leaders met Kiir with out Hussein, who serves as Vice President representing the alliance within the transitional authorities. Despite not main any SSOA social gathering, Hussein sought to take part, arguing that his position as Vice President entitled him to a seat on the desk.
Following the assembly, rumors circulated that SSOA leaders had petitioned Kiir to take away Hussein as Vice President.
Enraged by the experiences, Hussein tried to oust Costello, claiming his participation within the assembly violated the SSPM structure. Costello responded by suspending Hussein and launching an investigation.
Earlier this month, Kiir confirmed Hussein’s elimination, changing him with SSOA Chair Josephine Lagu. Hussein was subsequently appointed minister of agriculture and meals safety.
In an announcement Thursday, Costello accused Hussein of insubordination and undermining social gathering unity.
“WHEREAS, investigations confirmed that Mr. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol attempted to unlawfully dismiss the Chairman, Dr. Costello Garang Ring Lual, invoked a non-existent constitutional provision, assembled an unauthorized faction to claim leadership, and convened a meeting at his private residence in violation of the party’s constitutional framework,” the assertion learn.
The social gathering management mentioned Hussein’s actions “constitute gross misconduct and a direct violation of the SSPM Constitution, undermining the party’s unity, leadership, and its role within the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).”
Effective instantly, Hussein loses all positions and membership rights throughout the SSPM.
“Effective immediately, he ceases to hold any position, authority, or membership rights within the SSPM. Any actions or representations made by him in the party’s name are null and void,” the assertion mentioned.
Hussein’s expulsion deepens the ability wrestle inside South Sudan’s opposition ranks.
The SSPM reaffirmed its dedication to “upholding its constitutional principles” and warned it will not tolerate any actions “that undermine its integrity or stability.”