Hundreds of eager residents gathered at Torit’s Freedom Square to witness the inauguration of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) in Torit town, Eastern Equatoria state.

The event, held on Saturday, marks NPP’s emergence as the second opposition party in the state, following in the footsteps of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).

NPP’s Chairperson, advocate Issa Muzamil Sebit Makelele Nyajok, emphasized the party’s commitment to paving the way for change through upcoming elections. He stated, “This party is preparing for elections to elect a president, governor, MPs, commissioners and mayors. We have not made the party to come and share gossip on the latest news around the country. NPP did not come to make stories but we have come to make a change through elections. We are not enemies of any political party but we are children of everyone. We are children of SSOA, SPLM, and IO, so we are not enemies of anyone; we are a new generation.”

Makelele further outlined the need for a fresh approach, saying, “Things have changed from the time of Anyanya one. We need new policies and new ways of reasoning so that this country moves forward and the National Patriotic Party has come to alleviate poverty in the country and to ensure that citizens make proper use of their resources and not be exploited by foreigners.”

Jildo Abala, a member of the SPLM-IO, extended a warm welcome to the new party and highlighted the upcoming 2024 elections. Abala stated, “These are parties that will stand during the 2024 elections and there are others coming in a similar way and my message to all of you is that everyone has the right to join any political party of his/her choice without any force. You have to choose which road is clean for you.”

In a bid to promote unity and collaboration among political factions, Patrick Oting, the acting governor of Eastern Equatoria State and the minister for Information and Communication, emphasized the importance of a cohesive effort to foster peace in conflict-ridden areas across the state. Oting said, “Eastern Equatoria is a home for justice, equality, accountability, freedom, prosperity, peace, and God-fearing people.”

“His Excellency the Governor, Louis Lobong, would have loved to see that you, the NPP join hands with other political parties and SPLM in Eastern Equatoria State to create peace and harmony; and not fight one another but respect each other. The governor said Eastern Equatoria State should be for all the parties and does not belong to a special party. This country, the Republic of South Sudan, is enough for all of us if we work together. Each community could pursue its economic livelihood without interference from others,” Oting explained.

Charles Onen Lokwaruk, the chairperson for the Civil Society Network of Eastern Equatoria State, acknowledged the significance of political pluralism as a foundation for democracy. He highlighted the public’s desire for parties that prioritize service-oriented manifestos. Lokwaruk appealed to political parties to prioritize the well-being of the populace over partisan interests, stating, “People now want political parties and leaders who will accept to be held accountable. Parties and their leaders must be accountable to all the people of South Sudan.”

In a landmark event that drew between 3,500 and 4,000 fervent supporters, the National Patriotic Party (NPP) marked its official launch on June 24th, 2023, in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The Nyakuron Cultural Center brimmed with enthusiasm as the party, founded in November 2022, presented its manifesto, which details an ambitious roadmap for the nation’s progress.

“Protect and strengthen principles of justice, equality, accountability, and dignity in order to usher peace, prosperity, and unity,” declared the NPP’s manifesto.

The party aims to “transform agriculture, livestock, and fisheries to ensure food security and self-reliance in food production at all times and contribute fully to economic development.”

Tackling the pressing challenges in healthcare and technology, the NPP asserts its intention to “Enhance access to quality healthcare, technology, water, electricity, and housing in rural and urban areas.”

The party pledges to “Reduce unemployment, create at least five-hundred thousand (500,000) jobs in the formal and informal sectors of the economy to help reduce unemployment of South Sudanese citizens.”