USSP is NOT PARTY to the “Alliance of South Sudan Political Parties”

Download press release...

◊ PRESS RELEASE ◊

We refer to the Sudan Tribune articles of 29 and 30 June 2008 (published online on 30 June and 1 July 2008 respectively) which stated that “Eight Southern Sudanese political parties [had] established a new alliance...” The names of the Southern Sudanese political parties listed in the articles included United South Sudan Party (USSP).

We, the leadership of USSP, would like to make it categorically clear that United South Sudan Party (USSP) is not party to the said alliance. USSP sent a delegation to attend the Juba conference of South Sudanese political parties, “Building Consensus on What Unites”, only to listen to the views of other parties in South Sudan and to present USSP’s views and stance on important national issues such as Peace, Democracy, Unity among South Sudanese people and the 2011 Referendum, but not to join in an alliance. We see exchanging views with other parties as a healthy and democratic activity. The terms of reference of the USSP delegation sent to the conference in Juba was limited to presenting USSP’s views on the aforementioned specific topics. The USSP delegation did not, therefore, have the mandate to sign or commit USSP to any alliance. Any agreement that the USSP delegation may have been lured into is totally null and void. To join in any alliance with other parties, whose aims and objectives and strategies are different from USSP’s, would be contrary to the USSP Constitution and vision. USSP welcomes open debate with other parties, and indeed with all South Sudanese on important South Sudanese issues, but not to join in an alliance with anybody.

Therefore, USSP reiterates categorically, and in no uncertain terms, that it is not party to the said alliance, its aims and any agreement that led to its formation. USSP believes that it can co-operate with other parties on matters of common interest to South Sudan, but as an independent party and not in an alliance. To co-operate does not necessarily have to be in an alliance. Yours truly

Clement Mbugoniwia

Party Leader