South Sudan’s government on Monday tabled controversial amendments to the 2018 peace agreement in parliament, prompting opposition lawmakers to boycott the session in protest.

Justice Minister Michael Makuei Lueth presented the proposals to the Transitional National Legislature (TNLA), stating that the changes were necessary to resolve challenges hindering the implementation of the peace agreement and to pave the way for elections scheduled for December 2026.

Lawmakers aligned with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), loyal to detained First Vice President Riek Machar, walked out of the chamber shortly after the proposals were introduced.

As they left, the SPLM-IO MPs chanted slogans in Arabic translating to “Freedom, Peace and Justice” and “No amendments to the peace agreement.”

Makuei Defends Amendments

Makuei, a close ally of President Salva Kiir, said the amendments had been endorsed by signatory parties under Article 8.4 of the peace agreement before cabinet approval.

“To my surprise, there are some South Sudanese whom I believe to be opposition, who decided to march out from this hall, sending a clear message that they are not for elections,” Makuei told parliament.

He accused the opposition of working against the wishes of South Sudanese people who want the opportunity to choose their leaders through democratic elections after years of delay.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs Martin Elia Lomuro also defended the process, accusing SPLM-IO members and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) of trying to obstruct election preparations.

Speaker of Parliament Joseph Ngere Paciko referred the proposals to the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee for scrutiny.

He directed the committee to conduct public consultations and report back within two weeks before debate begins.

SPLM-IO Reaction

Chaguor Ater Bol, an SPLM-IO lawmaker and chairperson of the parliamentary committee on livestock and fisheries, said the government had violated the peace agreement by tabling the amendments without following proper procedures.

“Presenting the bill before the assembly for ratification without first securing the consent of all parties was unprocedural under Article 8.4,” Bol told reporters outside parliament.

He called for an inclusive dialogue to ensure full implementation of the agreement.

The move has drawn criticism from international partners and peace monitors.

In April, several Western embassies and the European Union warned that any amendments must strictly follow procedures outlined in the 2018 accord.

R-JMEC and civil society groups, including CEPO’s Edmund Yakani, have also raised concerns that bypassing R-JMEC violates the agreement.

The proposed changes seek to amend three chapters and one annex of the peace deal, particularly provisions on elections, constitutional reforms, and the legal supremacy of the agreement.

Speaker Paciko said the bicameral legislature will finalise the legal framework ahead of the planned elections.