SPLM bars active military personnel from party political activities

The Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Akol Paul Koordit, has said active members of the armed forces and other organized forces are prohibited from participating in the party’s political activities.

Koordit made the remarks in a video shared on his office’s social media timeline on Thursday evening while briefing the public on the ongoing democratic process within the party.

“Those who are actively serving in the armed forces or other organized forces are strictly prohibited from participating in party activities unless one has been decommissioned and is no longer active in the SSPDF or other organized forces,” Koordit said.

“These are the people who are qualified in party activities, but not those in active uniforms,” he added.

Koordit did not name individuals who may be barred from contesting for elective positions under the party’s ongoing political process.

However, the announcement comes amid reports that several active South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) officers and members of other organized forces have picked nomination forms to contest seats in the national and state legislatures, as well as gubernatorial positions.

The statement clarifies the party’s position on the participation of serving military personnel in its political activities, with eligibility linked to whether individuals remain active members of the armed forces or have been decommissioned.