Stephen Par Kuol Appointed SPLM-IO Interim Chairman Until Machar’s Release

Political Shakeup in South Sudan’s Opposition Party

JUBA – In a significant political development, a faction of SPLM-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) officials has appointed Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol as the party’s interim chairperson. Federal Affairs Minister Lasuba Wango was named as his deputy, with these appointments remaining effective until First Vice President Riek Machar is released from house arrest.

Leadership Changes Amid Party Divisions

The decisions were made during a Consultative Meeting held at a Juba hotel on Wednesday, where Agok Makur was also appointed as SPLM-IO Secretary General. These changes come amid escalating tensions between Par’s faction and self-exiled Deputy Chairman Oyet Nathaniel.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement while renewing calls for the release of Machar and several detained SPLM-IO members following violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.

Calls for Ceasefire and Political Solutions

The faction urged all parties involved in ongoing military operations to:

• Immediately cease hostilities
• Create conditions for peaceful dialogue
• Halt SSPDF troop movements toward Ulang County

The statement specifically demanded the stoppage of SSPDF redeployment to Nasir town to allow space for political negotiations.

Party Rift Widens

In a decisive move, the group formally severed ties with First Deputy Speaker Oyet Nathaniel, declaring they would now consider him a former deputy chairman. Notably absent from the meeting were several high-profile members including:

• Interior Minister Angelina Teny
• Mining Minister Martin Abucha
• MP Gai Mayen Luk

The replacement of elected Secretary General Regina Kaba remains unexplained.

Allegations of External Interference

In a Facebook statement, Mayen Luk accused external forces of fueling party divisions to divert attention from South Sudan’s pressing challenges:

“It is really amazing how the SPLM-IG has somehow succeeded in making a significant section of our gullible population suddenly forget all about the ailing economy where most families live in abject poverty in which they struggle to get one meal a day.”

Background of the Conflict

The current tensions trace back to April 6 when Oyet Nathaniel suspended four senior members, including Par Kuol and Makur, over alleged plots to replace Machar.

Constitutional Provisions

The 2018 peace agreement clearly states in Article 1.7.2 that Machar shall serve as First Vice President during the Transitional Period. Article 1.7.5 specifies that any vacancy must be filled by nomination from the SPLM/A-IO’s top leadership body.