Joseph Malek Arop on Tuesday accused senior government officials, including Justice Minister Michael Makuei Lueth, of interfering in the internal affairs of the United Sudan African Party (USAP) and attempting to remove him from office through what he described as unconstitutional means.
Speaking during a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Juba, Malek claimed that the Political Parties Council (PPC) acted beyond its legal mandate by recognizing Professor Ajang Bior as the new chairman of USAP without following proper party procedures.
Malek alleged that the PPC chairperson, James Akol Zakayo, ignored ongoing court proceedings and internal party structures when making the decision.
“By declaring Professor Ajang as USAP chairperson, the PPC has overstepped its constitutional limits and undermined the independence of political parties,” Malek told reporters.
The embattled party leader further accused Makuei and Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk of influencing the dispute due to what he described as “community connections” with rival factions within the party.
“Their involvement based on community ties has compromised neutrality and fairness,” he said.
Malek, who also serves as Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, insisted that the PPC has no authority to appoint or dismiss leaders of political parties, arguing that its role under the Political Parties Act is limited to registration and oversight of party compliance.
He said the dispute within USAP dates back to 2018 when the party split into rival factions following the outbreak of political tensions in the country.
According to Malek, one faction led by the late Joseph Ukel Abango aligned itself with the opposition, while his faction, known as USAP National Agenda, remained in Juba and continued working with the government.
Malek maintained that his faction has remained the legally recognized wing of the party since its registration in 2016 and subsequent renewal in 2018.
“We have representation at the national level, in parliament, the Council of States, and in all states and administrative areas,” he said.
He also claimed that the matter is already before the courts and that a judicial order had temporarily suspended the PPC’s decision pending further hearings.
“The decision by Akol has already been revoked by the court, and we are waiting for further hearings,” Malek stated.
The USAP chairman said his party continues to occupy positions within the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), parliament, and state institutions despite the ongoing leadership wrangle.
Beyond the party dispute, Malek also weighed in on ongoing discussions surrounding possible amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
He warned against unilateral changes to key provisions of the accord without broad consultation among signatory parties and the public.
“We are not against amendment, but some provisions require public consultation and consensus among all parties,” he said.
He specifically cited Articles 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4 of the peace agreement, warning that changes made without inclusivity could destabilize the country and undermine the fragile peace process.
Malek further called on President Salva Kiir Mayardit to intervene and ensure that the Political Parties Council respects its constitutional mandate and refrains from interfering in internal party matters.
He also urged the government to open political space ahead of the anticipated elections, saying democratic competition can only thrive if political parties are allowed to operate independently and without intimidation.
Repeated attempts to reach PPC Chairperson James Akol Zakayo for comment were unsuccessful.
The Political Parties Council is a statutory body established under South Sudan’s Political Parties Act to regulate political party activities, including registration, compliance monitoring, and maintaining official records of registered parties.
