March 19, 2025 The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) strongly condemns the unilateral and unconstitutional decision by President Salva Kiir to relieve Governor James Odhok of Upper Nile State and appoint General James Koang Chuol. This action is a blatant violation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and undermines the spirit of peace and stability in the country.
The SPLM-IO views this move as part of a wider strategy by the SPLM-IG to instigate violence and derail the peace process, potentially pushing South Sudan back into conflict. We call upon the international community, particularly IGAD, the African Union, and Troika, to exert pressure on President Kiir to engage in genuine dialogue and accept the Troika’s goodwill initiative aimed at facilitating talks between the two principals.
Since the signing of the peace agreement, the SPLM-IO has remained fully committed to its implementation. Our leader, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, returned to Juba under immense pressure from IGAD and African Union leaders, despite serious concerns about security arrangements. This was done in the interest of peace, based on assurances from regional leaders that his safety would be guaranteed. However, President Kiir has now completely abandoned the agreement and refuses to heed calls for dialogue from both regional and international stakeholders.
The SPLM-IO further expresses deep concern over reports of a coordinated campaign by SPLM-IG and elements within the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) to eliminate Dr. Machar. Recent statements from former Presidential Spokesperson
Ateny Wek Ateny, Chief of Defense Forces Paul Nang, and Minister of Defense Chuol Thon Balok, and today by Benjamin Bol Mel, the Vice President, for Economic Cluster, have raised alarms about a potential plot against his life. We remind the international community of South Sudan’s painful history, where internal political assassinations, such as that of Gen. Gai Tut Yang, fueled tribal conflicts that delayed the country’s liberation. We do not want history to repeat itself. The SPLM-IO therefore urges IGAD and the international community to act immediately and relocate Dr. Machar to an SPLM-IO-controlled area if President Kiir refuses to return to the negotiating table.
The people of South Sudan deserve lasting peace, not renewed conflict. We urge all peace partners to stand firm in holding President Kiir accountable for his violations of the agreement and to ensure that South Sudan does not slide back into war.
The statement from office deputy chairperson, National committee on Foreign Relations , SPM-IO extended to thejubamirror news desk.
