Several prominent political figures in Eastern Equatoria State officially defected from opposition parties and armed opposition movements to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Party on Wednesday.
The defections were announced during an event organized by the Eastern Equatoria State SPLM Party Secretariat in Torit, where the former opposition officials were welcomed into the party. The event coincided with broader SPLM activities aimed at strengthening party structures and mobilizing support ahead of the elections.
Among those who crossed over was Moi Isaac Lokwabe, who introduced himself as the Chairperson of the Other Political Parties (OPP) in Eastern Equatoria and Deputy Chairperson of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) at the national level. Drawing on the Biblical story of the prodigal son, he said every political journey must eventually reach its destination.
“Even in the Bible we have the prodigal son. Every journey has an end,” he told the gathering. “We have realized where we are going, and if you forget where you are going, you should remember where you came from.”
Lokwabe appealed to SPLM Party members to receive him in good faith, saying his decision was voluntary and based on conviction rather than pressure.
On her part, Eastern Equatoria State Deputy Speaker Betty Awor, who was a member of OPP, also announced her decision to join the SPLM Party, describing it as a political choice guided by the party’s founding principles.
Standing before party leaders and supporters, Awor said she was joining the movement because she believes in its vision of justice, equality, unity, and self-determination.
“Today is a day I will never forget. I stand before you with pride and humility to officially join the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement,” she said. “I am joining not for personal gain but to serve my community, serve my country, and build the South Sudan we all dream of,” she said.
Awor called on party members to welcome her as “a comrade ready to work” towards peace, development, and national unity.
Another high-profile defection came from Hon. Maj. Kokol Michael Atura, a former senior official in the SPLM-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
He said that he previously served as the SPLM-IO Chairperson for Information and Communication and spokesperson at the state parliament before deciding to return to the SPLM.
“I have left SPLM-IO and rejoined the SPLM, the party where I started,” he stated. “We struggled for many years, and now I believe it is time to unite and focus on development.”
Atura added that he intends to support implementation of the SPLM constitution and thanked party leaders for welcoming him back.
Receiving the new members, Ephone Emmanuel Lolimo, Assistant Secretary for Political Mobilization of the SPLM in Eastern Equatoria State, congratulated the defectors and urged them to remain committed to the party’s principles.
“You should join the SPLM because you believe in its principles, policies and programmes, not because you expect to receive a position,” he said.
He described the arrivals as bringing “new energy” and “new ideas” that could strengthen the party.
“You are coming as individuals, but we expect you to become fishers of men to bring more members into the SPLM,” Lolimo added.
He confirmed that each of the defectors had formally submitted written resignation and membership documents, which the party had accepted before their public introduction.
The defections come at a politically significant time as the country prepares for what is expected to be its first general election since gaining independence in 2011.
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