On April 29th, General Yau Yau announced his departure from the SPLM IO, led by Dr. Riek Machar, the country’s main opposition leader and First Vice President of the transitional Government of National Unity. His decision followed significant pressure from community leaders and youth groups who had been persuading him to return to his former party, the SPLM IG.
General Yau Yau elaborated that he was compelled by his community to withdraw his allegiance from the SPLM IO. He noted that influential figures, including youths and elders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, strongly advised him to rejoin the SPLM IG, which operates under President Kirr’s leadership, despite existing political differences. “The demand from my people led me to reconsider and ultimately honor their wishes,” Yau Yau added.
In a statement to the media, Yau Yau revealed that he had carefully considered the counsel of Pibor elders and chiefs. This reflection followed his initial thoughts of joining the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, which faced opposition from his community, prompting calls for his departure from the party.
He further emphasized that the people of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area expected him to publicly announce his resignation. This decision came amidst ongoing discussions with President Kirr, with conversations predominantly focused on facilitating his return to the SPLM IG, Yau Yau