In dramatic politics within the main opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) has suspended four of its senior officials, accusing them of orchestrating a campaign to remove the party’s leader and First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
The announcement was made on Monday morning through a letter signed by the acting SPLM-IO Chairman, Nathaniel Oyet Pierino, who is reportedly operating from Kampala, Uganda, amid fear of the unknown.
Among those suspended are Stephen Par Kuol, the Minister of Peacebuilding, and Agok Makur Kur, a sitting MP and former Deputy Minister of Finance. Also affected are lawmakers Ding Lam and Luke Thompson Thoan. The group stands accused of mobilizing efforts to replace Machar, who has been placed under house arrest in recent weeks.
According to the suspension letter, Stephen Par has been suspended from his duties in government as Minister of Peace Building and stripped of his positions within the party’s Political Bureau and National Liberation Council. Similarly, Agok Makur’s roles in both party leadership structures and as the national MP have been revoked.
The suspensions extend to Ding Lam who has lost his party memberships and legislative seat under the SPLM-IO ticket. Luke Thompson Thoan has been affected from being a member of National Liberation Council and membership in the party.
Though the disciplinary committee has yet to set a date for hearings, the party has summoned the suspended officials to appear before it to answer the allegations.
None of the four accused have publicly responded to the charges or the suspensions. However, the move has sparked concern among political observers, who warn the internal rift could fracture the already fragile opposition movement.
“This is a critical moment for SPLM-IO. The leadership is under pressure, and these suspensions could either mark a path to restoring order or deepen divisions,” said one Juba-based political analyst who requested anonymity for security reasons.
As the country continues to navigate a complex peace process, the future of SPLM-IO and its leadership remains uncertain.
~DM~
