Story By James Innocent
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) on Thursday held a one-day symposium in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, calling on party members to strengthen unity and mobilize grassroots support ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The symposium was officially opened by Emmanuel Taban Seme, the SPLM Chairman and Commissioner of Yei River County, who welcomed more than 200 participants at the SPLM House in Yei.
He described the gathering as an important platform for rebuilding trust, strengthening party structures, and promoting peaceful political engagement in the county.
“This symposium is about unity, discipline, and preparing our party to serve the people effectively,” Taban Seme said. “We must move forward together as one family.”
Speaking at the event, the Acting Secretary of the SPLM, Comrade Banja Noel, said the symposium marked the beginning of a renewed leadership phase under Taban Seme.
He urged party members to avoid internal divisions and remain resilient.
“The strength of the SPLM depends on unity among its members. Differences should not divide us,” Banja said.
Taban Seme assured party members that the SPLM is fully prepared for the 2026 elections and called on members to mobilize citizens across Yei River County to join the party.
“We are ready for the elections. I urge all members to encourage citizens to register with the SPLM so that our party becomes stronger and more representative,” he said.
Representing the SPLM Secretariat in Central Equatoria State, Comrade Ladu Kose said he was speaking on behalf of the State SPLM Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Adil Antony.
He said the party had begun early preparations for the 2026 elections, with mobilization identified as a key policy priority.
Kose explained that mobilization efforts would extend from the state to county, payam, and boma levels, focusing on community-based engagement.
He said recruitment, issuance of membership cards, political orientation, and resource mobilization were central to the party’s strategy.
“The SPLM is strengthening its structures from the grassroots so that citizens are informed and actively involved in the political process,” Kose said.
He further called for unity and forgiveness among party members, warning that internal divisions could weaken the party’s prospects.
Former SPLM Chairman of Yei River County, Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa, praised the current leadership and described Yei as a historical foundation of the SPLM. He noted that fear remained a challenge for some members and urged them to remain courageous.
“Fear should not hold us back. Members must be strong-hearted as they take the party forward,” Kanyikwa said.
The symposium concluded with renewed calls for unity, grassroots mobilization, and peaceful political participation as the SPLM positions itself for the 2026 elections.