By Jones Gadama
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM-IO) is embroiled in a bitter leadership dispute, with Acting Chairperson Oyet Nathaniel Pierrino accusing Peace Minister Stephen Par Kuol and three other senior officials of plotting to replace Dr. Riek Machar as party leader.
The suspended officials include Agok Majur Kur, national member of parliament; Diing Lam, national member of parliament; and Luke Thoan Teny, member of the East African Legislative Assembly.
The controversy began when Kuol and his colleagues announced plans to continue implementing the 2018 peace agreement, despite Pierrino’s declaration that the agreement was null and void following Dr. Machar’s house arrest.
Pierrino claims the suspended officials are working with President Salva Kiir’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IG) to undermine Dr. Machar’s leadership.
However, Kuol has rejected his suspension, calling it unilateral and unconstitutional. He vowed to continue serving as Peace Minister and senior member of the SPLM-IO.
The infighting has raised concerns about the party’s unity and commitment to the peace process.
The SPLM-IO’s crisis deepened after Dr. Machar’s detention, with some officials fleeing to neighboring countries or going into hiding.
The party’s National Liberation Council recently appointed Kuol as interim chairman, sparking criticism from Dr. Machar loyalists who view the move as a coup attempt.
The situation remains tense, with the SPLM-IO’s future hanging in the balance.
The party’s ability to navigate this internal conflict will have significant implications for South Sudan’s fragile peace process and the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
