South Sudan Opposition Party Ousts Leader Riek Machar
The primary opposition party in South Sudan, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), finds itself embroiled in turmoil following a faction led by Stephen Par Kuol appointing him as interim chairperson, sidelining First Vice-President Riek Machar—who remains under house detention—during an assembly in Juba on Wednesday, according to reports from Nation Media Group published Thursday, April 8. This contentious move saw significant boycotts among high-ranking party leaders. Lasuba Wanyoike assumed the role of interim vice-chairman, alongside Agok Makur taking up the post of interim secretary-general. Notably missing were prominent figures such as Angelina Teny, Minister of Interior and spouse of Mr. Machar, along with Secretary-General Regina Joseph Kaba. These absences highlighted escalating rifts within the organization, with supporters dismissing the gathering as fraudulent and politically motivated. Following the declaration, Par immediately suspended Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, the current exiled deputy of Machar, stating that one living abroad should not manage domestic matters; he emphasized that all operations must stay grounded rather than being conducted through social media platforms like Facebook. This upheaval reflects mounting conflicts inside the SPLM-IO, particularly because Mr. Machar has been confined under conditions perceived as politically influenced confinement. Recently, Oyet had temporarily removed Par and several associates over allegations they conspired with President Salva Kiir's administration against Dr. Machar. Analysts express concern about potential fragmentation—the deepest yet possibly seen—in the SPLM-IO since its establishment in 2013. At stake now is whether the fragile national unity will endure amidst ongoing negotiations surrounding the nearly defunct 2018 peace accord. Expectations point towards further restructuring within the transitional government, potentially elevating Stephen Par to replace Riek Machar as first vice president—a development likely to destabilize the balanced power distribution outlined four years ago and exacerbate civil unrest in Africa's newest state. Any attempt to remove Machar without broad approval risks invalidating recent reconciliation efforts and heightens worries regarding resurgence into chaos.
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