The SPLM-IO faction led by Interim Chairman Stephen Par Kuol has suffered a major political setback after 20 senior officials and representatives announced their collective resignation from the party, according to a letter dated October 16, 2026.
In the letter addressed to Par Kuol and copied to the faction’s Secretary-General, Agok Makur Kur, the group said its decision followed consultations and a reassessment of its political convictions and national interests.
The signatories include former Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation James Mawich Makuach, who leads the group, former Minister of Federal Affairs Solomon Pur Gok, and former Jonglei State Legislative Assembly Speaker Malual Gabriel Kon.
Other signatories include former deputy governors, state ministers and lawmakers drawn from various regions and administrative areas, including Greater Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, Ruweng and Greater Pibor.
The group said it would announce its future political direction in due course and communicate its decision to supporters and the general public.
However, the letter did not indicate whether the officials intend to join another political party or pursue a different political arrangement.
The collective resignation comes as South Sudan prepares for its scheduled general elections on December 22, 2026, a period marked by political mobilisation and realignments among parties and aspiring candidates.
The departure of the 20 officials could pose a challenge to Par Kuol’s faction, given the group’s inclusion of former government ministers, legislators and other political figures. However, the immediate impact of their resignation on the faction’s political strength remains unclear.
The development also leaves questions about the group’s next political move and whether its members will align with another party ahead of the elections.
Neither the intended destination of the group nor any subsequent political agreement was specified in the resignation letter.
The resignation marks a significant development within the SPLM-IO faction as political actors position themselves ahead of the December polls.
