A former senior military officer and diplomat has announced the formation of a movement aimed at removing President Salva Kiir from power, declaring a “national uprising”.

In a declaration dated 28 December 2025, Gen. Wilson Deng Kuoirot—once the deputy chief of staff for operations in the SSPDF and former ambassador to South Africa—revealed the creation of the National Uprising Movement (NUM).

The statement accuses Kiir’s government of economic mismanagement, systemic insecurity, and governance failures, declaring an end to the so-called “First Republic” (2011-2025). Gen. Kuoirot, a native of Jonglei State, also criticized the transitional government formed under the 2018 peace agreement, claiming its mandate expired in 2022.

He called for the dissolution of the current administration and the establishment of an interim government of civilian technocrats, tasked with stabilizing the country and organizing elections within two years. “The regime in Juba is the source of armament for communities… It encourages tribal militias to raid each other,” the declaration reads, adding that the government has “forfeited its sovereign right to monopolise the use of arms.”

The movement is urging patriotic members of the security forces and other armed groups to join its newly formed National Uprising Army. While initially calling for the peaceful resignation of President Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar, the statement warns that an armed uprising would be inevitable if they refuse. Both leaders are offered immunity from prosecution if they step aside to allow a democratic transition.

There was no immediate response from the government in Juba.

South Sudan continues to struggle with political violence, economic instability, and a persistent humanitarian crisis, despite multiple peace agreements over the past decade.