At least 58 members of the opposition SPLM-IO, led by First Vice President Riek Machar, have defected to President Salva Kiir’s ruling SPLM party. The move took place during a campaign rally in Riwoto town, Kapoeta North County, in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State on Tuesday.
The rally, organized by the SPLM Eastern Equatoria State Secretariat, also covered areas in Najie, Lomeyen, and Paringa payams of Kapoeta North, as well as Longeleya, Moruongor, and Katiko payams in Kapoeta South County.
President Kiir and Dr. Machar are key partners in a fragile peace agreement signed in 2018, which is facing significant challenges, particularly in unifying armed groups to form a national army.
Speaking to the press in Torit, SPLM Eastern Equatoria State spokesperson Siro Silvio Ewak confirmed the defections and urged citizens in Kapoeta to reject political divisions and work toward peaceful coexistence.
Mr. Ewak highlighted the state’s struggles with conflicts spilling over from neighboring areas, emphasizing the need for unity during this critical period.
“The defectors expressed dissatisfaction with the SPLM-IO, describing it as a ‘briefcase party’ that has lost sight of citizens’ interests,” he said. “They pledged full allegiance to the SPLM, promising to work toward addressing the challenges facing our people without conditions or reservations.”
Among those who switched allegiance was Munye Loisi Philip, former secretary of information for the SPLM-IO youth league in Kapoeta North.
Mr. Philip explained that he initially joined the opposition to fight marginalization but decided to return to the SPLM after seeing progress within the ruling party.
“I joined the SPLM-IO for a reason—to reach the promised land. I felt marginalized and wanted a party that could lead me to prosperity,” he said. “Now, I am returning to the SPLM, the mother party, because I believe it can address the challenges we face. I don’t care about personal wealth; I care about success for our people.”
Meanwhile,Kapoeta North County Commissioner and SPLM county chairperson, Naaye Lomor, confirmed the defections, stating that 58 members had joined the ruling party.
“These are members from the other party, and we engaged with them until they decided to join us,” he said. “I thank them for making the wise decision to join the party that fought for this country’s independence and continues to serve its people.”
However, Eastern Equatoria State SPLM-IO Secretary General and Minister for Peacebuilding, Marko Lokidor Lochapio, said he was unaware of any defections.
“We have not received official communication about this. It may be an individual decision, but we need to verify the information before commenting further,” Mr. Lochapio said.
The defections come at a time when South Sudan’s peace process remains fragile, with delays in implementing key provisions of the 2018 agreement.
Analysts warn that such political shifts could further complicate efforts to stabilize the young nation.