Gabriel Kuot Akok, a prominent lawyer and chairman of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), announced Monday that he is suspending his political career, citing the need to focus on his legal practice amid what he described as a restrictive political environment.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Kuot said his decision to step down from party leadership was driven by growing tension between his role as a senior lawyer and his political affiliation, which he said had begun to affect both his work and his clients.
“In South Sudan, things are not separated,” Kuot said. “My work as a lawyer has been taken out of context and seen as political, especially when I take notable cases against the government. Some people think I am acting as an opposition leader, not as a lawyer.”
He said the perception had created fear among clients, some of whom worried that hiring him could expose them to political consequences or brand them as affiliated with the opposition.
“This dilemma made clients hesitant to work with me,” he said. “So I decided to step away from one position to balance the equation. Instead of quitting my career, it is better for me to quit the political party and focus on my profession.”
Kuot dismissed speculation that his decision was linked to threats or pressure, noting that the lack of political space and equal opportunity for parties made it difficult for opposition leaders to have a meaningful impact.
“When there is no political space and equality for all parties, a political party leader cannot make an impact,” he said. “It is the right time for me to focus on my career and personal growth until South Sudanese are ready for vocal political party leaders.”
He clarified that he is not joining any other political party and considers his move a temporary withdrawal from politics.
“I am not willing to join any other party,” Kuot said. “For now, I am giving myself time to focus on my career. When the right time comes, I will return to politics.”
Kuot also addressed his former party colleagues, praising their courage and commitment and describing opposition politics in South Sudan as a significant personal risk.
“I appreciate them for their dedication to political and social change,” he said. “I encourage them to continue executing their duties as provided in the party constitution and the transitional constitution of the Republic of South Sudan.”
He urged South Sudanese to recognize the importance of political pluralism, saying opposition parties serve as a “mirror” that can help the ruling party fulfill its mandate.
Kuot said he was grateful for the four years he served the PPP and expressed hope that he would reunite with his colleagues in the future. “They are good people, and I will miss their cooperation and support,” he said.
The PPP was formed in 2020 in Juba, where its headquarters are located. It is not part of the 2018 peace pact, since it was formed after the agreement was signed.
South Sudanese parties are expected to participate in elections scheduled for December, amid public skepticism caused by ongoing conflict in parts of the country, a lack of consensus among parties, and insufficient funding for the body tasked with conducting the vote.