By Waure Eddy.
Dr. Gaaniko Kennedy Baime, former Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State and former Undersecretary in the National Ministry of Health, has formally renewed his membership with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) as part of the party’s nationwide membership renewal exercise ahead of December 2026 General Elections.
Baime renewed his membership Thursday at the SPLM State Secretariat in Yambio and donated more than 500 SPLM-branded T-shirts to support grassroots mobilization and strengthen party activities across the state.
Reaffirming Party Loyalty
Addressing party members, Baime reaffirmed his loyalty to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and SPLM Secretary-General Akol Paul Kordit. He described the membership renewal exercise as launched by SPLM Chairman President Kiir as call for members to renew commitment to the SPLM Constitution, party manifesto, discipline, and internal dialogue.
“Mass registration demonstrates members’ commitment to implementing directives from party leadership at the grassroots level,” Baime stated, emphasizing that the renewal exercise reflects grassroots engagement with party structures.
Promoting Unity and Peace
The former deputy governor described the SPLM as “a party of unity, love, togetherness and peace,” suggesting that the registration drive should contribute to reconciliation and forgiveness efforts in Western Equatoria State. He called on communities to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence, urging residents to see themselves as “sons and daughters of the same state.”
Addressing Security Concerns
Baime condemned recent abduction incidents reported in Greater Mundri, noting that insecurity has affected movement along main roads. He called on communities to prioritize dialogue over conflict, positioning the membership renewal as opportunity to strengthen social cohesion.
Friendly Competition Among States
The former official described the membership renewal as healthy competition among states and counties to demonstrate strength through party membership numbers. He challenged Western Equatoria State to mobilize more members and demonstrate competitive strength against other states.
Baime urged Payam and Boma SPLM chairpersons to intensify community mobilization and encourage eligible citizens to register with their respective party structures.
Strong Grassroots Response
The membership renewal exercise received enthusiastic response from party members attending the event, with participants reaffirming commitment to the SPLM and its vision for a united, peaceful, and prosperous South Sudan. The large turnout and generous donation demonstrated continued party engagement as the nation approaches competitive national elections.
