South Sudan Opposition Alliance rift deepens, threatens implementation of Revitalized Peace Agreement

Members of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) are engaged in crisis discussions to resolve an election dispute that threatens to split the alliance in two. 

A section of alliance members including interim chairman Gabriel Changson, Joseph Bakasoro, Khalid Butrus, Josephine Lagu, Hassein Abdelbagi and Bapiny Monytuil have rejected the recent election of Peter Gatdet as the new chairman, claiming he cannot hold the post as he faces UN Security Council sanctions. 

The disagreement leaves the SSOA leadership in limbo with fears that it could affect the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

Dr. Lam Akol, who is a member of the alliance leadership council is in support of the election and says the party members must first agree on the legitimacy of the elections that were held in Khartoum over the weekend. 

Dr. Lam is in support of the election of Gadtet, saying the vote was held in conformity with an agreement to hold elections on a 6-month rotational basis, far beyond the one-year period interim chair Gabriel Changson has served.  

He spoke to Sebit William in this interview.