A prominent South Sudanese human rights organization, Defend Rights Project (DRP), has called on peace partners and regional actors to revoke the recognition of Hon. Stephen Par Koul’s faction within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), citing concerns over legitimacy and the potential derailment of the peace process.
In a press statement, DRP Director Tito Anthony emphasized the need for dialogue among peace parties to resolve internal disputes and fully implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“The peace agreement must be implemented in full to pave the way for elections and bring an end to the cycle of transitional governments,” said Tito Anthony. “We urge the peace parties not to take the country back to war, which has already cost too many innocent lives.”
DRP also issued an urgent appeal for the unconditional release of Dr. Riek Machar and all other political detainees. The group is pressing for the swift implementation of Chapter Two, which addresses permanent ceasefire and transitional security arrangements, and Chapter Five, which outlines the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan to investigate crimes committed during the conflict.
“These provisions are essential to ensure justice, accountability, and sustainable peace,” the DRP Director noted.
The organization further urged the high-level implementation committee to revoke the recognition of Hon. Stephen Par Koul as a legitimate representative of SPLM-IO, instead recognizing Rt. Hon. Oyet Nathaniel, the Deputy Chairperson of SPLM-IO, as the rightful leader of the party.
“Hon. Stephen Par and his cohort lack the legitimacy to lead SPLM-IO,” said Tito. “Any decisions made by his faction risk compromising the implementation of the peace agreement and prolonging instability in the country.”
DRP is calling on regional and international actors—including IGAD, the East African Community, the African Union, and the UN Security Council—to intensify diplomatic efforts to mediate the current political impasse and avoid fueling further divisions.
“We urge international peace guarantors not to take sides in this political crisis, but rather use their influence to facilitate dialogue and a peaceful resolution,” said Tito.
The DRP Director also criticized the alleged attempts by the Par faction to exploit Dr. Riek Machar’s house arrest for personal political gain.
“SPLM-IO members must not use this situation to secure senior positions or pursue self-promotion, “he warned. “They must prioritize the people’s interest over individual ambitions.”
The human rights group called on Rt. Hon. Oyet Nathaniel and other SPLM-IO officials currently abroad to return to South Sudan and assume their constitutional roles, especially ahead of the reopening of the National Legislative Assembly, to prevent any leadership vacuum.
Lastly, Tito Anthony appealed to the public to refrain from inciting violence or spreading misinformation, warning that such actions threaten the country’s fragile unity and stability.
“Let us work together to preserve peace, promote unity, and support a peaceful democratic transition, “he concluded.
