The newly formed interim leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol, said it has met President Salva Kiir to discuss the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
Last Wednesday, a group of senior SPLM-IO members in Juba endorsed Kuol as the party’s interim leader, replacing detained chairman Riek Machar.
Kuol said he would serve until Machar is released from house arrest. However, the meeting to establish the interim leadership was largely boycotted by top SPLM-IO officials, including Interior Minister Angelina Teny, Mining Minister Martin Abucha, and Secretary-General Regina Kaba.
The faction supporting Kuol includes Federal Affairs Minister Lasuba Wango, Council of States Speaker Deng Deng Akon, and former Deputy Finance Minister Agok Makur.
Analysts say the move could lead to Machar’s removal as first vice president, a position created for him under the 2018 peace deal.
“Today we have met the president. Our team has just concluded a meeting with President Salva Kiir, and the talking points and outcomes of the meeting will be shared with the public through the media,” Diing Lam, an SPLM-IO senior member backing the interim leadership, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday evening.
Diing and others, including Kuol, were suspended by SPLM-IO deputy chairman Oyet Nathaniel, the acting party leader after Machar’s arrest. They rejected the suspension, calling Oyet’s decision illegal and noting that he had left the country.
Since Machar’s detention, several senior SPLM-IO members have fled or gone into hiding over safety concerns.
Diing, also a lawmaker, said the interim leadership also met officials overseeing the peace process, including National Transitional Committee (NTC) head Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, to discuss advancing the agreement.
When asked why the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) last week approved appointees named by Oyet despite party divisions, Diing said the decision preceded the interim leadership’s formation.
“The changes made by Oyet were submitted before we formed the interim leadership. Now that we have an interim leadership, we expect RJMEC to reverse those decisions. The interim leadership will either confirm Oyet’s nominees or propose new ones,” he said.
On divisions within the SPLM-IO over the interim leadership, Diing said it was necessary to fill a vacuum after Oyet and the secretary-general fled.
“You cannot lead the party from outside South Sudan. That’s why members formed an interim leadership inside the country to ensure smooth operations,” he said.
Regarding Machar’s position as first vice president and vacancies left by members who fled, Diing said Machar technically remains in office.
“The first vice president’s role is tied to the peace agreement. Only the president can bring charges against him, but he cannot be investigated while in office—his immunity must first be lifted,” he explained.
“If that happens, the interim leadership will discuss filling the position of the first vice president,” he added.
On vacant ministerial posts, Diing said consultations were underway to replace the first deputy speaker, petroleum minister, and water and irrigation minister.
“Unless those members intend to return, the positions will be filled. We are also working to secure the release of those in detention without serious charges,” he said.