South Sudan’s government is facing a crisis of legitimacy and risks political collapse, a senior rebel official warned on Friday, citing eroding international support and the militarization of civilians amid escalating tensions between the country’s top leaders.
The warning from General Oyai Deng Ajak, a key opposition figure loosely aligned with the holdout Real SPLM faction, comes weeks after an unannounced meeting in Uganda between Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, South Sudan’s Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, and opposition officials, including Oyai.
Discussions reportedly focused on a political transition and succession plan for South Sudan’s leadership, but the meeting ended without a final agreement.
The country now teeters on the brink of renewed violence as tensions rise between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, who was placed under house arrest in Juba on March 26.
Kiir’s faction has signaled it may oust Machar—who holds his position under a 2018 power-sharing deal—accusing him of involvement in recent clashes in Nasir. There, the White Army, a Nuer youth militia, attacked an army garrison, killing several soldiers, including commander General David Majur Dak.
In a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj, Gen. Ajak—a founding member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and former security minister—accused Kiir’s government of driving the nation toward chaos.
“The current government has failed to represent the sovereignty of our people,” Ajak said. “We must establish an inclusive government that reflects the will of our citizens—before it’s too late.”
His remarks highlight frustration over tribal divisions and a stalled peace process more than a decade after independence.
Ajak cited South Sudan’s deteriorating global standing, including a U.S. plan to shut its Juba embassy and withdrawals by some European diplomats.
“The regime has lost credibility locally and internationally,” he said. “How can we progress when even our closest partners are turning away?”
He also warned of growing tribal militia threats and a weakening national army, saying arming civilians risks deeper conflict.
“We must discourage tribal armies and build a national army representing all communities,” he wrote. “Otherwise, we will lose the nation we fought to create.”
Violence has surged in Upper Nile State, further destabilizing the country.
Invoking South Sudan’s independence struggle, Gen. Ajak urged unity among leaders and citizens.
“We cannot let the sacrifices of our martyrs be squandered,” he said. “It is time to recommit to South Sudan—or risk losing everything.”
The government has not responded to Ajak’s statement.