Prominent politician accuses Kiir of dividing political parties

Prominent politician has accused President  Salva Kiir of dismantling political parties that oppose his ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) since 2005.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Joseph Malual Dong, who recently joined the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) led by Riek Machar, claimed Kiir has avoided appointing him into public office.

"In 2005, Kiir refused to represent the Salvation Front party in the government of southern Sudan. The same scenario was repeated in 2015. He also declined to appoint me as a presidential advisor, saying he doesn’t want to work with me,” said Malual.

“Political parties and JMEC [Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission] informed the president in 2015 that Joseph Malual has been selected to fill the position of other political parties in the national parliament, but Kiir refused,” explained Malual.

He claimed Kiir divided his party using members he disagreed with, alleging that some leaders of his party were given money by the president to ensure he is isolated from the top leadership since 2005.

Malual headed the United Democratic Salvation Front (UDSF) party.

“My party members in the states were removed from their positions because they were part of the Salvation Front. This is what President Kiir and his people have been doing,” he stated.

The office of President Salva Kiir, who doubles as chairman of the SPLM party, could not be reached for comment.

Separately, Joseph Malual defended his decision to join SPLM-IO, saying he wants to be part of the revitalized peace accord implementation.

"Riek Machar is the only person in the political arena now. I decided to join him because he is a party to the agreement," he stressed.

The politician, who joined the armed opposition group with some officials, vowed to help fight tribalism in the young nation.

A former minister in Sudan’s government, Malual became the most senior politician from Greater Lakes State region to join the SPLM-IO.