A group of 25 members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Youth League in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State have petitioned the national youth leadership, calling for the removal of the state Youth League chairperson, Andrew Deng Wieu. The petitioners accuse Wieu of failing to convene regular meetings with Youth League executives and county chairpersons since assuming office. This lack of consultation has disadvantaged Youth League members and weakened coordination within the party’s youth structures in the state.
The petition, addressed to the SPLM National Youth League Chairperson, Puok Bol Par, cites several instances of alleged malpractices by Wieu. The members claim that he has made appointments without adequate consultation with county leaders, including the appointment of Santino Akec Dhel as Secretary for Counties Affairs. Dhel was previously the suspended SPLM Youth League chairperson for Aweil East County. The petitioners argue that such appointments undermine the party’s leadership structures.
The petitioners also question the diversity of appointments within the state Youth League, alleging that two officials came from the same Boma in Malual Baai Payam. Furthermore, they raise concerns over the management of Youth League finances, with Wieu allegedly serving as both chairperson and finance secretary. The appointed finance secretary was reportedly not given an opportunity to perform his duties, leading to concerns about financial mismanagement.
The sale of a container provided to the Youth League by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for $500 without consultation with members has also been raised. The petitioners demand an investigation into the alleged sale and call for accountability for the proceeds. They also question the appointment of James Yel Yel as SPLM Youth League chairperson in Aweil East County, citing that he had exceeded the age limit for Youth League leadership.
The petitioners urge the national Youth League leadership to suspend or remove Wieu and appoint a new leader who can restore confidence and improve the functioning of the Youth League in Northern Bahr El Ghazal. They argue that Wieu’s actions have violated their constitutional rights as party members. Attempts to reach Wieu for comment were unsuccessful, as phone calls went unanswered for several hours.
However, Santino Akec Dhel, who is mentioned in the petition, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Akec said his appointment and that of James Yel Yel followed recommendations from the SPLM leadership in Northern Bahr El Ghazal. Another Youth League member who recently received a similar appointment also rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated accusations by individuals dissatisfied with not receiving leadership positions.
The dispute highlights growing disagreements among SPLM Youth League members in Northern Bahr El Ghazal over leadership, appointments, and management of party youth structures. It remains unclear whether the national SPLM Youth League leadership will act on the petitioners’ demands or order an investigation into the allegations. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the party’s youth structures in the state.
Key points
- The SPLM Youth League members in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State have petitioned for the removal of state chairperson Andrew Deng Wieu over alleged leadership malpractices.
- The petitioners cite instances of Wieu failing to convene regular meetings, making appointments without consultation, and mismanaging party finances.
- The national SPLM Youth League leadership will need to decide whether to act on the petitioners’ demands or order an investigation into the allegations.
