The Leadership of Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP) Restructures the COOP

The leadership of the Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP), under the astute chairmanship of Dr. Gai Chol Paul, demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity and effective governance as they convened on Friday to restructure the coalition. With the recent influx of new members, it became imperative to adapt the COOP’s structure to accommodate the growing diversity within its ranks. This strategic move not only ensures a stronger collective voice but also fosters a more cohesive and united front against the prevailing challenges faced by the opposition.

As a result of this restructuring, Deng-bil William Aguer has been elevated from Secretary to the position of COOP Secretary General, marking a significant milestone in his political career. Aguer’s wealth of experience, unwavering dedication, and remarkable leadership qualities have earned him the confidence and support of his peers. His appointment as COOP Secretary General reflects the coalition’s commitment to nurturing emerging leaders and harnessing their potential to drive meaningful change in the political landscape. Under Aguer’s stewardship, the COOP is poised to navigate the complex dynamics of opposition politics with renewed vigor and purpose, bolstering its position as a formidable force in the pursuit of a better future for South Sudan.

Additionally, in a move aimed at strengthening its external relationships and expanding its influence on the national political stage, the COOP elected Hon. Dr. Jong Anthony as the COOP Secretary of External Relations. With an impressive background as a former minister in the government of Warrap State, Hon. Dr. Jong Anthony brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this crucial role.

As the COOP Secretary of External Relations, Hon. Dr. Jong Anthony will be responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with other political parties, both within and outside the coalition. His extensive network and diplomatic skills will enable him to effectively engage with key stakeholders, policymakers, and international organizations, further enhancing the COOP’s standing and credibility on the national and international stage. With his deep understanding of the political landscape and his commitment to the COOP’s vision of change and progress, Hon. Dr. Jong Anthony is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the coalition’s external strategy and advancing its goals of inclusive governance and sustainable development.

The COOP was formed on November 11, 2022, by four South Sudanese non-violent political parties as a major coalition to empower South Sudanese to pressure the R-TGoNU to implement peace as per the agreement. The political parties that formed the COOP include the People’s United Forum (PUF), the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the Common People’s Alliance (CPA), and the African People’s Congress (APC).

The COOP is made up of non-violent parties that are not part of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) and are within South Sudan. Since the signatories to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) have colluded to derail the implementation of the peace agreement for their own gain without considering the suffering of the people of South Sudan, the COOP was formed as the body that will act on behalf of the people of South Sudan to engage the National Transitional Council (NTC) and the individual parties that are signatories to the R-ARCSS.

The COOP has recently undergone a significant restructuring process, aiming to strengthen its position and foster greater unity among its member parties. The current COOP is comprised of several prominent political entities, including the People’s United Forum (PUF), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), African People Congress (APC), Common People’s Alliance (CPA), Democratic Change (DC), Action for Democratic Change (ADC), Economic Freedom Fighters of South Sudan (EFFOSS), National Unity Alliance (NUA), and Federal Democratic Change (FDC).

This strategic restructuring reflects the collective determination of these parties to collaborate effectively and present a formidable opposition front in the political landscape. By consolidating their efforts, the COOP aims to maximize its impact and provide a strong alternative voice to the ruling party. Each member party brings unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths to the coalition, allowing for a diverse range of ideas and strategies to be explored.

The restructured COOP is committed to upholding democratic values, promoting social justice, and addressing the pressing challenges faced by the nation. With this renewed focus and unity, the COOP is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the political discourse and advocating for the interests of the people.