A senior veteran of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) has launched a scathing criticism against President Salva Kiir’s government, accusing it of abandoning the core values and vision that defined the liberation struggle. Lt. Gen. Garang Mabil Deng, a seasoned figure in South Sudan’s military history, voiced his discontent during the funeral of Gen. Bior Ajong, who passed away last week.
Speaking at the emotional ceremony, Gen. Mabil lamented the current state of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), suggesting that the party has strayed far from the principles that united its members in 2005, during the fight for independence from Sudan. “The SPLM of today has lost its vision,” Mabil declared, his voice tinged with frustration. “This is not the party its members knew in 2005.”
Gen. Mabil criticized the government’s apparent preference for nepotism, accusing it of sidelining the very people who fought for the country’s freedom. “You have decided to put your cousins and children in positions,” he said, addressing the SPLM leadership directly. “There were things we agreed upon after the liberation. Now you [SPLM] will never rest, and we shall keep talking in the language you hear.”
He continued, reflecting on the legacy of Gen. Bior Ajong, who he said was more knowledgeable and capable than many of the current leaders within the SPLM. “Wasn’t Gen. Bior Ajong the Chairman of SPLM?” Mabil asked rhetorically. “He knew a lot compared to most of you. Why are you pushing us away? What are you better than us with?”
Gen. Mabil’s remarks reflect a growing frustration among many veterans and former freedom fighters who feel marginalized by the current government. As South Sudan grapples with numerous challenges, including economic hardship, political instability, and ongoing conflicts, the voices of discontent among its liberators are becoming increasingly vocal.
The funeral of Gen. Bior Ajong, a respected figure in the SPLM, served as a platform for airing these grievances, highlighting the deep-seated discontent among the party’s veteran members. The tensions underscore a broader struggle within South Sudan’s ruling party to maintain unity and address the concerns of its base while navigating the complexities of governance in a young nation.
As the country moves forward, the calls for greater recognition of those who fought for independence will likely continue to echo across South Sudan, challenging the government to reconcile its current trajectory with the ideals that once united its leaders.
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