By Lodu William Odiya
The Sudan People Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) under Stephen Par Kuol has reiterated a call for the unconditional release of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
Dr. Machar was arrested in March following conflict in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
Despite the government’s plan to present the opposition leaders before the court, it continues to delay.
In addition to the previous call for the release of Dr. Machar, the SPLM-IO interim leadership made a fresh call.
According to the statement dated 3rd of August signed by SPLM-IO interim Chairperson Stephen Par Kuol, the group met and recommended 12 items, including the release of Dr. Machar.
Par said in a statement that the meeting that focused on the progress of the implementation of the peace agreement demanded the release of Dr. Machar and other opposition members still under detention.
“The meeting resolved as follows: reiterate the call for unconditional release of the substantive SPLM-IO chairman, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, and all other detainees, or arraign them before a competent and impartial court of law if there is incriminating evidence against them.” the statement partly read.
The SPLM-IO Interim Chairperson Stephen Par Kuol appealed to the leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement to respect power sharing.
“Urge the R-TGoNU and the SPLM-IG leadership to respect the responsibility-sharing arrangement as stipulated in chapter I of the R-ARCSS by returning all the SPLM-IO executive portfolios that they have taken in the state and county governments,” the statement partly read.
He underscored that the interim leadership of the SPLM-IO convened the joint leadership council meeting deliberately on the status of the implementation of the revitalized agreement on the resolution of the conflicts in South Sudan as well as the current security and political situation in the country.
Par underlined a call for observance of a permanent ceasefire and halt of the indiscriminate aerial bombardment of civilian home states, training centers, and cantonment sites to give dialogue and confidence building a chance.
He further commended President Kiir for the timely reconstitution of the high-level ad hoc committee to fast-track the implementation of the agreement and further urged the leadership of the high-level committee and National Transitional Committee (NTC) to expedite the activation of the mechanisms charged with the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), especially the security mechanism, to fast-track the completion of chapter II of the agreement.
The interim PAR also condemned the incursion of the Uganda troops into South Sudan, which led to loss of lives and displacement of civilians in Kajo-Keji County of Central Equatoria State.
He condemned the recent killing of innocent civilians on Kaya and Maridi roads by elements of banditry and armed rebellion.
Par called on President Kiir to implement the long overdue inclusivity by appointing the nominees of the SPLM-IO interim leadership to the vacant and abdicated positions in the R-TGoNU executive and the transitional National legislature.
He also called upon peace partners, stakeholders, and the international community to work collaboratively and urgently to overcome the persistent delays and challenges that continue to hinder the R-ARCSS implementation.
The SPLM-IO interim leadership further called on the government to support the institutions auxiliary to the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in December 2026.
On March 26, 2025, the chairman of SPLM/A-IO, the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, was placed under house arrest in Juba, which raised widespread concern, with many viewing it as a provocative action that could escalate violence in the country.
In a consultative meeting held on April 9, 2025, the faction named Stephen Par Kuol as interim chairman, with Lasuba Wango as deputy interim chairman and Agok Makur as secretary-general.
However, the SPLM/A-IO interim leadership reiterates its unwavering commitment to the full, timely, and genuine implementation of the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit as the only viable framework for restoring lasting peace, political stability, and economic recovery in our beloved country.