The commissioner of Akobo County in Jonglei State has announced his defection from the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), citing a desire to promote peace.
In a statement released by his office on Wednesday, James Kueth Makuach said the decision was driven by concern for the welfare of the local population amid ongoing instability in the area.
“I had not considered leaving SPLM-IO during more stable times, but the current situation makes it necessary to take a different political path,” Kueth said.
He emphasized the urgent need for peace and improved access to basic services, including healthcare and education, and said prolonged political divisions had hindered development in the county. He also cited internal disagreements within SPLM-IO and what he described as a lack of support as contributing factors in his decision.
Kueth raised concern over recent incidents of destruction and looting, including damage to health facilities and humanitarian centers, which he said had worsened civilian suffering.
He said he would now work with the SPLM to support peace, unity, and development, adding that the people of Akobo deserve a future free from violence and political division.
Akobo County, near the border with Ethiopia, was captured by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) from SPLM-IO in March, marking the first such takeover since 2013. The fighting forced many residents to flee into Ethiopia and prompted humanitarian agencies to evacuate staff for safety.
Kueth was first dismissed as Akobo County commissioner on Jan. 16 by the SPLM-IO faction’s acting chairman, who replaced him with John Wiyual Lul. After initially refusing to step aside, Kueth left office on Jan. 21 following mediation by local leaders.
Following the SSPDF takeover in March, the government reappointed Kueth as Akobo’s legitimate commissioner, replacing Wiyual, who remains loyal to SPLM-IO under acting chairman Oyet Nathaniel.
Under the 2018 peace agreement, the Akobo commissionership was allocated to SPLM-IO. It remains unclear whether Kueth will formally vacate the position, which is meant to be occupied by an SPLM-IO member.
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