Sudan, Khartoum: The Eastern Equatoria State Secretariat of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has rejected corruption accusations from the SPLM-IO opposition against Governor Louis Lobong, labeling them as misleading. The SPLM-IO had alleged that Governor Lobong was using the delay in reopening the state parliament as a strategy to misappropriate resources and avoid oversight. The SPLM countered these claims, suggesting they are politically motivated and misleading, and pointed out that the renovation of the state legislature is funded by UNMISS through ARK of Humanity and has been underway for over a year.

SPLM spokesperson Siro Silvio Ewak expressed frustration at the SPLM-IO’s accusations, emphasizing that such claims lack substance. He clarified that the USD 1.5 million loan and the distribution of vehicles are managed collectively by all government parties, and any concerns regarding the loan or vehicle allocation should be addressed through official government channels, not media allegations. Ewak also reminded the deputy governor of her accountability to the public and criticized the SPLM-IO for not addressing issues like power-sharing and revenue collection in Council of Ministers meetings.

Ewak reaffirmed the SPLM’s commitment to the revitalized peace agreement and maintaining peace in South Sudan. He urged SPLM-IO to avoid interfering in SPLM matters and highlighted Governor Lobong’s effective leadership and dedication to peace efforts.