A rebel faction inside South Sudan's opposition group, SPLA/M-IO, just named suspended official Stephen Par Kuol as their temporary chairman, replacing detained leader Dr. Riek Machar. The rebels met Wednesday in Juba under a fancy "Overcoming the toils of National Building" theme. They picked Par - who serves as Peace Building Minister - to fill Machar's shoes until allegations against the detained chairman run their course. Par happens to be one of four officials previously suspended for allegedly plotting with government forces to kick Machar out of power.
SPLA-IO acting chairman Nathaniel Pierino Oyet (also first deputy speaker of parliament) issued the suspension order on Monday. Par lost his Political Bureau membership, National Liberation Council position, SPLM-IO representative role, party membership, plus his ministerial job. Par laughed off his suspension, calling it "joke of the year" before accusing Oyet of fleeing the country illegally and taking leadership. The rebel meeting also appointed Federal Affairs Minister Losuba Wongo as interim deputy chairman. They named Agok Makur as interim Secretary General despite him facing similar suspension from multiple party positions, including his parliamentary seat.
SPLA-IO acting chairman Nathaniel Pierino Oyet (also first deputy speaker of parliament) issued the suspension order on Monday. Par lost his Political Bureau membership, National Liberation Council position, SPLM-IO representative role, party membership, plus his ministerial job. Par laughed off his suspension, calling it "joke of the year" before accusing Oyet of fleeing the country illegally and taking leadership. The rebel meeting also appointed Federal Affairs Minister Losuba Wongo as interim deputy chairman. They named Agok Makur as interim Secretary General despite him facing similar suspension from multiple party positions, including his parliamentary seat.
