SSNMC/A Withdraws from SSOMA Alliance, Citing Interference and Bias

Kwaje Lasu, Acting Chairman and C-in-C Architect and Co-founder of SSNMC/A

According to a media statement dated 11th March 2024, the South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC/A) has officially announced its withdrawal from the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA).

The statement, signed by the Acting Chairman and Co-founder of SSNMC/A, highlighted a tumultuous period of internal leadership crisis exacerbated by interference and biased decisions within the alliance.

“We regret to take this step but the interference and biased decisions by the SSOMA leadership council have made our continued participation untenable,” expressed the SSNMC/A statement.

According to the SSNMC/A statement, the leadership crisis within the movement was further complicated by the actions of the SSOMA leadership council, particularly influenced by the outgoing former SSNMC/A chair and his clique within the movement.

The statement further detailed that the mediation efforts by SSOMA leaders from NAS, NDM/PF, and UDRM purportedly led to the installation of Mr. Alex Yatta Lukadi as the movement’s leader against SSNMC/A’s recommendations. This move was viewed as a ploy that served the interests of NAS and NDM/PF movements rather than respecting SSNMC/A’s autonomy and decision-making processes.

SSNMC/A emphasized that their initial participation in the alliance was based on shared values and mutual respect, aimed at amplifying efforts towards common goals. However, the actions of NAS and NDM/PF were seen as deviating from these principles, leading to a breakdown of trust and cooperation.

The SSNMC/A leadership and founding members froze their activities within SSOMA from 17th March 2023 to address the situation, but the continued support for Mr. Lukadi by SSOMA was viewed as an encroachment on the movement’s internal affairs.

By withdrawing its membership from SSOMA, SSNMC/A aims to regroup and reorganize its political and military wings to stand as a formidable opposition force against the current regime in South Sudan. The movement reiterated its commitment to being a voice for the people and advocating against the oppressive regime.

While SSNMC/A expressed disappointment in the alliance’s leadership prioritizing its agenda over solidarity, the movement remains open to future collaborations with groups that uphold principles of respect, transparency, and democratic decision-making.

The move signifies SSNMC/A’s determination to safeguard its autonomy and integrity while pursuing its objectives independently.