SPLM-IO Suspends Four Senior Members Over Alleged Plot to Overthrow Machar
Opposition Group Takes Action Against Internal Dissent
JUBA — South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has suspended four high-ranking members amid allegations of a plot to overthrow party leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
The suspended officials include:
- Stephen Phar Kuol, Minister of Peace Building
- Agok Majur Kur, National Member of Parliament
- Diing Lam, National Member of Parliament
- Luke Thoan Teny, Member of the East African Legislative Assembly
Allegations of Party Disunity and External Influence
Acting SPLM/A-IO Chairperson Oyet Nathaniel Pierrino accused the members of creating internal divisions and conspiring with President Salva Kiir’s administration to remove Machar from leadership.
“These members engaged in subversive activities violating sections 16.3 and 16.4 of our party’s Code of Conduct,” Pierrino stated in an official letter obtained by Sudans Post.
Specific Charges Against Suspended Members
The suspension order detailed serious allegations against Minister Stephen Par Kuol, including:
- Collaborating with SPLM-IG to create party disunity
- Attempting to undermine the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS)
- Mobilizing support to replace Machar as party leader
“Hon. Par Kuol acted with the support of SPLM-IG political and security apparatus to orchestrate this plan,” the suspension notice stated.
Next Steps in Disciplinary Process
The suspended members will face a disciplinary committee convened according to SPLM-IO regulations. The committee will review the allegations and determine appropriate consequences.
This development highlights ongoing political tensions within South Sudan’s opposition movement as the country continues its fragile peace process.
This report summarizes original content from Sudans Post. For complete details, please visit the original source.