By Matik Kueth
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) has dismissed reports alleging that 434 of its members in Unity State have defected to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG), labeling the claims as “grossly exaggerated” and a political ploy.
This comes after the Unity State government announced the defection of the group on Thursday, attributing the alleged mass departure to internal frustrations within SPLM-IO ranks.
According to the state government, “their defection from IO is attributed to many unpatriotic reasons, including humiliation from a few IO individuals, nepotism, and the general leadership of IO being very biased and lacking direction, only prioritizing their family members.”
However, in an interview with King Media on Friday, Dhoal Koryom, SPLM-IO’s Spokesperson in Unity State, refuted the report, labeling it as inaccurate and misleading.
“The SPLM-IO in Unity State is only aware of six individuals who defected. Of these, only two were officially registered party members, while the remaining four were known supporters. The rest of the 428 names mentioned in the defection statement are fabricated and part of a political exaggeration,” Koryom stated.
He clarified that the SPLM-IO remains firm and united in both Unity State and Rubkotna County, dismissing any notion of internal divisions.
“This defection has not in any way shaken our influence or threatened the popularity and resilience of the SPLM-IO in the region,” he said.
The rebuttal follows a high-profile public ceremony held in Bentiu, during which state officials announced that 434 individuals had crossed over to the SPLM-IG.
The timing of the event and its publicity point to intensifying political competition in Unity State ahead of the anticipated national elections and the ongoing implementation of the peace agreement.
Despite the charged political impasse, SPLM-IO leaders maintain that their support base remains intact and committed to the party’s goals and the broader peace process.