JUBA, MARCH 30, 2023 (ThejubamirrorNews ) – At least two senior opposition officials belonging to the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) have condemned what they call a subtle violation of the revitalized peace agreement after President Kiir named a new defense minister to replace Angelina Teny.
Mrs. Teny who is also the wife of First Vice President and SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar was sacked by Kiir in a republican decree on 3rd March 2023, sparking controversy between the opposition who accused Kiir of violating the revitalized peace agreement and the president who want to establish a firm control on the security sector.
Despite the opposition refusal to the presidential decree, Kiir last night named Gen. Chol Thon, Mrs. Teny’s deputy, as the new minister of defense.
In reaction, opposition officials allied to First Vice President said there was no agreement reached between Kiir and Machar on the ministry of defense and that the appointment of a new minister by Kiir is a violation of the revitalized peace agreement.
“No breakthrough was reached at all meetings between President Salva Kiir & FVP Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon in order to overcome the current deadlock,” Puok Both Baluang, Machar’s acting press secretary said in a tweet.
“Consequently, today’s appointment of Hon. Chol Thon as Minister of D&VA, is unilateral & a blatant new violation of R-ARCSS,” he added.
Outspoken Machar ally Dut Majokdit said in a brief statement on Facebook that the stalemate over the matter remain and warned that the revitalized peace agreement is in jeopardy as a result of continued violation by Kiir’s group.
“H.E President Kiir and H.E Dr Riek Machar meeting to resolve the stalemate over the unilateral decree for the Removal of Hon. Minister for defense and veterans’ affairs and the swapping of the two ministries ended in Deadlock,” he said.
“Therefore, the appointment of the Minister for defense this evening is a total and a subtle violation to the Agreement. In fact, the Agreement is in jeopardy. SPLM(IO) leadership should take a concrete decision to avoid further violations of the Agreement in the future,” he added.
