The High-Level Standing Committee (HLSC) overseeing South Sudan’s peace agreement has reached a critical decision to nominate a replacement for detained SPLM-IO chairman Dr. Riek Machar.
The decision follows a high-stakes meeting in Juba on Thursday, marking a pivotal shift in the leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) by recognizing Stephen Par Kuol group known as SPLM/A-IO Juba faction.
The group, following Dr. Machar’s detention, formed a controversial interim leadership opposed by some, and termed the move as a coup against the party’s chair and commander-in-chief of the SPLA-IO forces.
Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working together with the group and to ensuring a smooth transition while continuing the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“With this recognition, the SPLM-IO now has the authority to nominate new members to fill positions in the High-Level Committee or any other body established by the agreement,” Lomuro said.
The committee also addressed the vacancy left by the vice president and issues surrounding the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA). “We have agreed that the vice president will submit a new replacement. That should not pose any issue,” Lomuro added.
He also reassured international observers that the peace process remains active and intact. “The agreement on the resolution of conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is alive, active, and being implemented. We call on all institutions and parties to refrain from statements that contradict this reality.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Peace Building and SPLM-IO representative Stephen Par Kuol welcomed the decision, expressing gratitude for the collective endorsement of the process.
“We have just concluded the High-Level Committee meetings in which the SPLM-IO interim leadership was unanimously recognised,” said Par Kuol. “We are grateful to our colleagues from ITGONU, SSOA, and OPP for their endorsement and support in moving forward.”
He also urged diplomatic representatives in Juba to acknowledge the unity among peace partners in advancing the transitional process. “All the parties in the RTGoNU are working together to ensure the agreement is implemented in both spirit and letter. Any past violations will be addressed accordingly.”
In early April, a faction of SPLM-IO members endorsed Minister of Peace Building Stephen Par Kuol as interim leader, replacing Dr. Riek Machar. Among Kuol’s supporters are Federal Affairs Minister Lasuba Wango, Council of States Speaker Deng Deng Akon, and former Deputy Finance Minister Agok Makur.
