At least 720 members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by Rubkona County Commissioner James Kassare, have officially defected to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Unity State.
The mass defection took place on Thursday at the SPLM headquarters in Unity State, where the former SPLM-IO members publicly declared their allegiance to SPLM and took the party’s oath.
Those who switched sides include members of parliament, state ministers, and officials drawn from various commissions and local government structures, marking one of the largest political defections in the state in recent months.
Speaking during the ceremony, Commissioner James Kassare said the decision was driven by the need to promote unity, stability, and development in Rubkona County and across Unity State.
The Commssioner emphasized that the group believes joining SPLM will enable them to better contribute to peace-building and service delivery to communities.
SPLM officials in Unity State welcomed the new members, describing the development as a strong vote of confidence in President Salva Kiir’s leadership and the SPLM’s vision for national cohesion.
Party leaders pledged to integrate the defectors fully into party structures and urged them to work collectively for peace and reconciliation.
Political observers say the latest defections further weaken SPLM-IO’s presence in Unity State, amid ongoing realignments within South Sudan’s political landscape ahead of the country’s anticipated elections.
The development comes as political parties across South Sudan continue to mobilize support, with Unity State emerging as a key battleground for influence.
