Juba: Stephen Par Kuol Named Interim Leader of SPLM-IO

Endorsement of Stephen Par Kuol

• South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement faction and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance have endorsed Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol as interim leader of the SPLM-IO, replacing detained First Vice President Riek Machar, officials said Thursday, May 9.

Background on Stephen Par Kuol

• Par, previously suspended from the SPLM-IO in April 2024 over alleged obstruction of the 2018 peace agreement, now leads a breakaway faction asserting control of the armed opposition group.

Tensions in Upper Nile and Jonglei

• His appointment follows rising tensions involving the SPLM-IO, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, and Nuer militias known as the White Army across Upper Nile and Jonglei states.

Decision at High-Level Committee Meeting

• The endorsement was reached during a high-level committee meeting on peace implementation chaired by presidential advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk in Juba, with attendance from SPLM, SSOA, and Par’s allies, according to sources.

Majority Support for Par Kuol

• “The SPLM and SSOA formed a majority and resolved to recognize Stephen Par Kuol’s faction to ensure continuation of peace efforts,” a government official said.

Expected Appointment as First Vice President

• Manyang is expected to recommend Par’s appointment as First Vice President to replace Machar, though SPLM-IO officials said they will comment after receiving formal notice of the leadership change.

International Pressure on South Sudan

• This shift comes amid increased pressure from the African Union, IGAD, and Western nations led by the United States for South Sudan to uphold the 2018 revitalized peace agreement and release Machar.

Oyet Nathaniel Denounces Violations Threatening Peace Agreement

Introduction

The SPLM–IO led by Acting Chairman Oyet Nathaniel has written to the African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reiterating his group’s rejection of an alleged attempt in Juba to alter the structure of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU).

Key Violations

• Detention of several officials from SPLM-IO
• Removal of governors and ministers without consultation
• Dismissal of commissioners without due process

In his letter to the regional peace guarantors, Mr. Oyet denounced these violations and pointed out that they are threatening to derail the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.

Declaration of War

Oyet described the violations by the SPLM–IG and affiliated security forces as a declaration of war on their part, leading to attacks on SPLM/SPLA-IO-controlled areas, cantonments, and training centers.

He also highlighted the persecution faced by SPLM-IO members throughout the country, including threats, arrests, detention, and loss of lives and properties.

Call for Action

Oyet warned that the revitalized peace agreement is on the verge of collapse and called for the release of political detainees, including First Vice President Machar, to save the deal.

Internal Split

The SPLM-IO is currently experiencing an internal split, primarily driven by political crises sparked by renewed violence and the house arrest of its leader Dr. Riek Machar.

Hon. Oyet pre-emptively suspended several senior members in early April, accusing them of conspiring with President Salva Kiir’s government to replace Machar. The Juba faction rejected their suspension as unconstitutional and unfounded.

Government Response

Cabinet Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro announced plans to speed up the peace deal and proposed the government’s recognition of a legitimate SPLM-IO faction and the restructuring of leadership positions left vacant by detained or absent members of the group.

Dr. Lomuro emphasized the government’s commitment to peace and argued that the 2018 accord’s implementation cannot be held hostage by divisions within parties or parallel armed forces. The High-Level Standing Committee (HLSC) will convene soon to recognize which SPLM IO faction to allow for continuation in the implementation of RARCSS.

Conclusion

The situation in South Sudan remains fragile as violations and political tensions threaten to undermine the peace agreement. Oyet Nathaniel’s strong stance against these violations highlights the urgent need for all parties to uphold their commitments and work towards lasting peace and stability in the country.

President Kiir Commends Foreign Ministry’s Renewed Commitment to Strengthening U.S. and Global Relations

Juba, May 8, 2025

President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday received a comprehensive update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation regarding its renewed efforts to bolster South Sudan’s diplomatic engagement with the United States of America and other international partners.

During a high-level briefing at the Presidential Palace, Minister Monday Semaya Kumba outlined a series of ongoing strategic reforms within the Ministry aimed at improving administrative efficiency, financial transparency, and international outreach.

The President was briefed on a wide-ranging transformation strategy targeting internal institutional performance as well as external engagement protocols. According to Minister Kumba, the reforms include modernization of diplomatic procedures, enhanced coordination with South Sudan’s overseas missions, and closer alignment with global diplomatic standards.

Also addressed during the meeting were ongoing discussions with the United Nations Security Council, alongside updates from the recent joint visit by the African Union Commission Chairperson and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) representatives.

These engagements reflect South Sudan’s increased participation in multilateral platforms and its intention to play a more constructive role in regional and global diplomacy.

President Kiir welcomed the diplomatic momentum and praised the Ministry’s initiative to reset and strengthen ties with key allies. He also reaffirmed his administration’s support for comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing South Sudan’s credibility and influence in global affairs.

“South Sudan must take its rightful place in the international community — not just as a participant, but as a contributor to peace, stability, and progress,” the President said during the meeting.

The renewed emphasis on diplomacy comes amid broader government reform efforts intended to improve governance, rebuild economic confidence, and restore international cooperation following years of conflict and instability.

South Sudan’s leadership views deepened U.S. engagement and strategic partnerships with multilateral bodies as crucial to unlocking sustainable development, securing peace dividends, and expanding the country’s global footprint.