SPLM-IO members in Wau pledge allegiance to Par Kuol
Deputy chairperson of SPLM/A-IO in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Valentino Akec Akuar, said the state movement’s position followed a recent state consultative meeting conducted on April 12, 2025.
By Aguok Chok
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) members in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have reaffirmed their loyalty to the interim leadership under Ambassador Stephen Par Kuol, as the party navigates a leadership crisis.
In a press conference held on Monday in Wau, the deputy chairperson of SPLM/A-IO in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Valentino Akec Akuar, said the state movement’s position followed a recent consultative meeting conducted in the state on April 12, 2025.
“We stand with the revitalized peace agreement as the only mechanism for achieving peace, development, and stability in Western Bahr el Ghazal State and across the Republic of South Sudan,” Akuar stated.
“The SPLM/A-IO leadership in the state expressed its full and unwavering support for the interim leadership based in Juba under Honorable Ambassador Stephen Par Kuol. This decision was made while awaiting the release of H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, the Chairman of SPLM/A-IO,” he said.
Akuar emphasized the importance of strong leadership during this sensitive transitional period.
“We have confidence that Honorable Ambassador Stephen Par’s leadership is essential for coordinating the revitalized peace agreement and addressing the conflict in South Sudan. We must unite our efforts to promote reconciliation and national unity.”
He urged all citizens of Western Bahr el Ghazal to rally behind the cause of peace and concentrate on regional development. He called on the people to play a constructive role in supporting national leaders and upholding the peace process.
“Let us commit ourselves to embrace peace and social cohesion as the people of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, and to fully implement the revitalized peace agreement in both letter and spirit,” Akuar concluded.
The SPLM/A-IO’s allegiance to Stephen Par Kuol comes at a crucial time when South Sudan’s fragile peace process needs steady leadership and grassroots support.
As political uncertainty continues, especially surrounding the detention of Dr. Riek Machar, many view the affirmation from Western Bahr el Ghazal as a positive step towards ensuring the continuity of the peace efforts.
Observers note that the decision taken by the SPLM/A-IO’s leadership in Western Bahr el Ghazal could likely influence other states to take the same path.
However, the success of the revitalized peace agreement heavily relies on collective support from all regions and parties involved.
The move comes just days after Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information, Michael Makuei revealed the status of the SPLM-IO leader, Dr. Riek Machar, who is currently under house arrest being investigated over alleged involved in Upper Nile clashes.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Hon. Makuei categorized the SPLM-IO into four types, citing SPLM/A-IO, which he said is under Investigation for being in conflict with the law, SPLM/A-IO in hiding, SPLM/A-IO in self-exile, and SPLM/A-IO in the Government.
He said the High-level security committee of the peace agreement implementation will convene an urgent meeting of the parties signatory to the peace agreement to decide whether to endorse one of the four categories of the SPLM-IO to work with.
But even before the committee sits, various leaders have since been seen exiting the party, either to join others or swing to the splinter factions.
Yesterday, Speaker of Warrap State Legislative Assembly, Kuec Deng Mayar, who announced his resignation over the weekend, alleged that an interim leader of a splinter faction of the SPLM-IO party ordered his arrest after he refused to endorse him.
“I told him I needed to consult my members, but they rejected it. That’s why he ordered the governor to arrest me,” Mayar told Radio Tamazuj.
Eyes will be steered on the coming days to see how the political manouvers will define the various factions of the major opposition party in the country- just months to the elections.
