“We did not join SPLM/A-IO as individuals”, Mabior clarifies!

Juba, South Sudan

August 6, 2021 — In response to publications that question his loyalty to the SPLM/A in Opposition, the  SPLM-IO Chairperson of National Committee of Information and Communication, Cpt. Mabior Garang De Mabior, tried to clarify his attachment to SPLM/A-IO.

According to Mabior, “they” did not join the rebellion as individuals but as a civil rights organization and continued to function with the SPLM/A-IO as an independent group seeking for peace.

“We did not join SPLM/A-IO as individuals. We joined as a civil society organisation. We went to Addis Ababa to look for peace”, Mabior stated in a statement extended to Nyamilepedia.

He said when the leadership of the SPLM-IO went to Juba for peace implementation, they declined to go with them because they knew that peace would not materialize under Salva Kiir leadership.

According to Mabior, his official party, which he calls the National Conversation South Sudan, decided not to go to Juba together with the SPLM/A-IO.  

“When the leadership arbitrarily decided to go to Juba, we opted not to go. It was clear to us that this was not a genuine quest fof peace”, the statement added.

Mabior  says his party remained behind to continue looking for peace that will end the suffering of South Sudanese citizens, adding that their organization is not affiliated to politics in term of its objectives.

“The NCSS continues to push for peace for the suffering peoples of South Sudan. Our objective has never been to be in a political party” it emphasized.

Mabior Garang joined the SPLM/A-IO in 2014 under the leadership of Dr. Machar. He has served in various positions ranging from the spokesman to ministry of water resources and irrigation, and recently to deputy minister for interior. 

Mabior has been reported to have defected to have defected from the SPLM/A-IO a few times but he denied all the reports as fake news.