By Louis Loku
The National Congress Party (NCP) has made changes in the top secretariat positions as the country prepares for the December 2026 elections.
The Chairperson of the National Congress Party (NCP) of South Sudan, Agnes Poni Lokudu, announced the dismissal of the party’s former Secretary General, Kur Bangaang Jur.
She cited that the decision was constitutional, followed wide consultations within the party, and was aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the December 22 general elections.
Addressing journalists in Juba, Poni announced that Mohammed Almak Ayang had been appointed as the new Secretary General following consultations with party members from the Upper Nile region.
Poni said the party’s constitution gives the chairperson the authority to appoint and remove the secretary general whenever necessary.
“Our constitution clearly states that the secretary general is appointed by the chairperson. If the office bearer fails to perform the responsibilities assigned to him, the chairperson has the constitutional right to make changes,” she said.
She explained that although she had the authority to appoint a replacement directly, the party opted for what she described as a “consultative democracy” by asking party leaders from Upper Nile to nominate a candidate.
According to Poni, Mohammed Almak Ayang was nominated by the Upper Nile leadership, and his appointment followed broad consultations within the region.
She said the decision to remove Kur Bangaang Jur was based on documented administrative shortcomings, including his failure to fulfill official responsibilities, disrespect for the office, and inability to effectively manage the party secretariat.
“He worked hard for the party and remains an important member of the executive political leadership, but we believe the office of Secretary General requires someone who can work more dynamically as we prepare for the elections,” she said.
Poni revealed that similar concerns had been raised about the former secretary general six months earlier. However, she said he apologised and was given another opportunity before repeating the same mistakes.
The NCP leader criticised what she described as interference by other political parties in what she called an internal administrative matter. She disclosed that she had written a formal complaint to the Political Parties Council, questioning why external political actors were attempting to influence leadership decisions within the NCP.
She also rejected allegations that the party had been handed over to Islamic organisations following the appointment of the new secretary general.
“We reject claims that this party has been taken over by Islamic bodies. South Sudan has suffered enough from religious divisions, and we will not allow anyone to use religion to divide our party,” she said.
Poni further expressed concern that some criticism directed at her leadership was motivated by tribal and regional politics, suggesting that her position as an Equatorian had attracted unfair opposition.
“I have a feeling that some people are opposing me because I am an Equatorian. If my leadership becomes an obstacle to the future of this party, I am prepared to step aside so that the party can continue moving forward,” she said.
She emphasised that the National Congress Party is a national organisation composed of both Christians and Muslims who have worked together since before South Sudan’s independence.
Responding to questions about the upcoming elections, Poni confirmed that the National Congress Party is preparing to participate in the December polls.
She clarified, however, that the party would not field a presidential candidate, saying the NCP still considers itself a political partner of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
“Our members will contest various elective positions, but we are not planning to contest the presidency because we still consider the SPLM leadership to be our partner,” she said.
Poni also sought to distance the South Sudan National Congress Party from the former National Congress Party that ruled Sudan under Omar al-Bashir, insisting that the South Sudan branch became an independent political organisation after independence.
She said northern Sudanese leaders had advised South Sudanese members to abandon the National Congress name, but they chose instead to establish an independent South Sudanese party based on their own political principles.
“Our party belongs to the people of South Sudan. We have no organisational connection with the former National Congress Party in Khartoum. We built our own political identity after independence,” she said.
Poni concluded by calling for unity within the party, saying leadership positions should be based on performance rather than personal or regional interests.
She urged party members and the public to support the newly appointed secretary general, Mohammed Almak Ayang, saying leadership changes are normal in any democratic political organisation and are intended to improve service delivery within the party.