Kiir announced the formation of the Upper Nile Investigation Committee last Tuesday, 20 February. The committee will be chaired by Kosta Manibi. Also Anne Itto is a member together with Peter Bashir Ghandi as the secretary. Ms Akon Bol Akool and Nartisio Lolike Mani are members.

According to the presidential spokesman, the committee has to investigate the validity of the allegations raised during the meeting of the Interim National Council against Lam Akol Ajawin. They have in particular to find out the truth behind allegations that he is a leader and financier of the Modern Southern Front and that he is undermining the work off the SPLM in Upper Nile State.

The decree says: "The committee is hereby directed to finalize its work within one month as from 19 February 2007. The SPLM secretary general and SPLM secretary general of the Upper Nile State are thereby directed to facilitate the work of the committee."

The decree by the chairman of the SPLM comes while more and more people in the SPLM-top, are unhappy with the performance of Lam Akol as minister of foreign affairs .

He is regarded as too docile towards the ruling National Congress party of President Al-Bashir. His acceptance of the stand against the UN intervention in Darfur is for many SPLM party members unacceptable.

(Juba Post)