By John Akoon
Political tensions are escalating within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) as a leadership consultative meeting unfolds in the capital, Juba.
The gathering has sparked widespread speculation about a potential leadership change, with many drawing parallels to the controversial 2016 incident that elevated Taban Deng Gai to the position of First Vice President.
While the official agenda of the meeting remains unclear, insiders and political analysts suggest that discussions may center on nominating a replacement for the current SPLM-IO leader, Dr. Riek Machar.
This development comes amid growing divisions within the party, exacerbated by Machar’s recent house arrest and alleged mounting pressure from rival factions. But the ruling party – SPLM-IG has categorically distant itself.
The 2016 incident, which saw Taban Deng Gai assume leadership under contentious circumstances, left a lasting impact on South Sudan’s political landscape.
Observers are now questioning whether history is poised to repeat itself, as the SPLM-IO faces internal rifts and external challenges in implementing the 2018 peace agreement.
Sources close to the meeting indicate that key members of the SPLM-IO Political Bureau, National Liberation Council, and Parliament are in attendance.
The gathering has reportedly drawn criticism from some party officials, who view it as an unauthorized attempt to undermine Machar’s leadership.
As the situation develops, publics’ eyes are on Juba, where the outcome of this consultative meeting could reshape the future of the SPLM-IO and South Sudan’s fragile peace process. Further updates are expected as details emerge.
