In a dramatic turn of events, the SPLM-IO faction in Juba has appointed an interim leadership following the ongoing house arrest of its leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny. A consultative meeting held on April 9, 2025, resulted in the selection of Hon. Stephen Par Kuol as the Interim Chairman, with Lasuba Wango named as Deputy Chairman and Agok Makur appointed as Secretary-General.
The meeting, however, was marked by controversy, as many senior SPLM-IO leaders, including Angelina Teny and the current Secretary-General Regina Kaba, chose to boycott the session.
Despite the reshuffling, those absent emphasized that Dr. Machar’s house arrest should not impede his leadership role, with a unanimous call for his immediate release. They firmly believe that once freed from detention, Dr. Machar will resume his position as the rightful leader of the faction.
Ambassador Stephen Par Kuol, who currently served as the National Minister of Peacebuilding, explained the rationale behind the decision to relieve Oyet Nathaniel of his duties as Deputy Chairman.
According to Kuol, Oyet’s absence from the faction’s base in Juba—following his departure before the closure of the National Assembly—has led to this reshuffle. Kuol further emphasized that the SPLM-IO remains steadfast in its commitment to the full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, stating:
“As we move forward, the SPLM-IO remains resolute in our mission to advocate for the rights and dignity of South Sudanese people and to foster a future rooted in peace, unity, and reconciliation.”
The meeting’s decisions were met with mixed reactions. On one hand, Hon. Oyet Nathaniel, who was not present at the meeting, voiced his objection to the leadership change. In a media interview, Oyet dismissed the reshuffle as invalid, pointing out that he was not in Juba and accusing the meeting participants of having rebelled against the core principles of the faction.
Hon. Oyet noted that his departure from Juba occurred before the Nasir crisis, following the National Assembly’s recess, and argued that the actions taken by the interim leadership could be seen as a direct challenge to the authority of the detained Chairman.
The reshuffle has sparked a heated debate within the ranks of the SPLM-IO, with some party members labeling it as a “coup” against Dr. Machar. The quick and seemingly unilateral decision-making by a select few individuals has raised concerns about the integrity of the process and the future direction of the faction.
There are also whispers of government involvement, with some suggesting that the reshuffle may be backed by President Kiir’s administration to weaken the SPLM-IO from within. However, these claims remain unverified, and the true motivations behind the leadership changes are still a matter of speculation.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes remain on the fate of Dr. Machar and the SPLM-IO. With the peace process still in flux and tensions rising within the party, the coming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining the future of the faction and its role in South Sudan’s ongoing journey towards peace and stability.
The reshuffling of the SPLM-IO leadership in Juba has sparked considerable controversy, drawing attention to both the faction’s internal struggles and the broader political dynamics in South Sudan.
While the appointment of Hon. Stephen Par Kuol and his team marks a new chapter for the faction, the absence of key leaders like Angelina Teny and Regina Kaba from the meeting suggests that the faction remains divided.
The political maneuvering within SPLM-IO, coupled with the ongoing detention of Dr. Riek Machar, raises questions about the party’s unity and its future role in the peace process.
As discussions about the party’s leadership and the future of the 2018 peace agreement continue to unfold, the path ahead for SPLM-IO remains uncertain, with significant challenges to overcome both internally and externally.
