By Louis Loku
A member of the National Legislative Assembly representing the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) under the interim leadership of Stephen Par Kuol has called for an emergency caucus meeting.
The call followed the growing concerns surrounding proposed amendments to the revitalised peace agreement.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, lawmaker Dier Manyoun Dier Mayen urged SPLM-IO members of parliament to convene on Friday to discuss issues related to the implementation and amendment of the peace agreement.
Dier said there is an urgent need for members of the movement to come together and deliberate on matters affecting the party and the country’s peace process.
“As an elder within the SPLM-IO under the leadership of Stephen Par Kuol, I believe there is a need for us to meet and ensure that our people remain united so that peace can prevail,” he said.
The MP also criticised the interim leadership for what he described as a failure to convene regular meetings to guide members and maintain active engagement in peacebuilding efforts.
He called on SPLM-IO members to put aside their differences and focus on strengthening unity within the party, arguing that internal cohesion is essential for lasting peace in South Sudan.
“We are for peace, not for guns,” Dier stressed, adding that a united SPLM-IO would encourage citizens across the country to embrace reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
According to the legislator, the caucus meeting is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the parliamentary premises.
The lawmaker also reflected on the recent deaths of two SPLM-IO legislators who represented the party during meetings held at Palm Africa Hotel, citing that they need to be honoured.
Although he acknowledged that he was not officially mandated to convene the gathering, Dier maintained that, as both a party member and a parliamentarian, he has the right under Article 3.2 of the SPLM-IO constitution to call for a meeting when members are not actively engaged in political duties.
He said the main objective of the meeting is to strengthen unity among SPLM-IO lawmakers and ensure that the parliamentary caucus remains cohesive in advancing peace and the party’s political agenda.
The call for the meeting comes amid tensions within the SPLM-IO parliamentary caucus following the recent boycott of parliamentary sittings by some opposition lawmakers.
The MPs reportedly boycotted sessions in protest over political disagreements linked to proposed amendments to the peace agreement and concerns surrounding the implementation of key provisions of the revitalised deal.
The boycott raised concerns among political observers about growing divisions within the opposition bloc at a time when the country is preparing for critical phases of the transitional process, including security arrangements, constitutional reforms, and preparations for elections.
Dier’s remarks come as political leaders and stakeholders continue to call for dialogue, unity, and commitment to the peace process in order to prevent further political tensions in the country.