A faction of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) aligned with suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has strongly condemned and rejected what it describes as unilateral removals, replacements, and a suspension of its officials at national and state levels, accusing the government of deliberate violations aimed at undermining the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
In a press statement issued on March 18, 2026, following deliberations by the party’s Political Bureau in Juba, the SPLM-IO described the moves as “continuous violations” by the Transitional Government of National Unity and the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), labeling them “anti-peace activities meant to deliberately and gradually render the R-ARCSS useless.”
The statement, signed by Eng. Joseph Malwal Dong (Chair of the SPLM-IO’s Foreign Relations Committee and focal person of the Political Bureau), specifically condemned:
- The removal and replacement of Moses Gatkuoth Lony as presidential advisor on peace affairs (national level).
- The removal and replacement of Tor Tungwar Kueiguong as deputy governor of Unity State.
- The removal and replacement of Isaiah Akol Mathiang as deputy governor of Lakes State.
- The removal and replacement of Mary Alphonse Lodira as deputy governor of Eastern Equatoria State.
- The suspension of Simon Hoth Duol, Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement in Jonglei State, which the party views as a precursor to his eventual removal and replacement.
The SPLM-IO called these actions a “severe violation” of the 2018 peace agreement, which established a power-sharing framework allocating positions at national and state levels to signatory parties.
The party urged the government to reverse the decisions and reinstate the affected officials to preserve the fragile transitional process.
No immediate response was available from the ruling SPLM or President Salva Kiir, who also serves as SPLM leader and head of state.
The reshuffles follow a pattern of recent dismissals targeting SPLM-IO quota holders, including earlier changes in March 2026.
The developments occur against a backdrop of heightened political tensions, ongoing clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces in regions like Jonglei and Upper Nile, stalled implementation of key R-ARCSS provisions (including security arrangements and elections), and the ongoing treason trial of Dr. Machar and co-accused.
Analysts and international observers have repeatedly warned that unilateral actions risk further eroding the peace deal and pushing South Sudan toward renewed conflict.
