By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Members of the SPLM-IO political bureau have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the 2018 agreement.
Chairperson of the National Committee for Peace and Reconciliation and a senior member of the party, Stephen Par Kuol, stated that this is the only way to address the ongoing clashes occurring in various parts of the country.
Mr. Par who is also the National Minister of Peace Building addressed the media yesterday, urging the public to remain calm.
He stated that the country’s top leadership is engaging in peaceful efforts to secure the release of their leaders who are currently under arrest.
“As we call for the immediate release of our chairman and other carders who are under detention, all the parties to the agreement to resume dialogue to deescalate the situation and call all the guarantors who broke the 2017/18 peace agreement to facilitate the dialogue but most importantly is recommitting to the implementation of the agreement,” stated Kuol.
Kuol further stated that, as per the recent directive from First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, all members of the SPLM-IO in the security mechanism should resume attending security meetings.
He added that political leaders affiliated with the SPLM-IO who are part of the various arms of government should recommit to implementing the agreement.
Tensions continue to escalate both in Juba and the surrounding states.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) now alleges that the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) is orchestrating a plan to dissolve the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU).
These allegations arise following the detention of opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar on Wednesday evening.
According to statement by Reath Muoch Tang, Acting Chairperson of the SPLM-IO National Committee on Foreign Relations, the ruling party is engaged in underground activities to undermine the power-sharing arrangements of the 2018 peace agreement.
“The arrest and removal of Dr. Machar, currently in motion, seeks to unilaterally replace him with an SPLM-IO member loyal to the SPLM-IG, while falsely maintaining the appearance of implementing the peace agreement,” Tang stated.
The SPLM-IO strongly condemns the continued ‘unlawful house arrest’ of Dr. Riek Machar Teny, First Vice President and SPLM-IO Chairman.
They assert this is a blatant violation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and another attempt by elements within the SPLM-IG to derail the peace process and consolidate power unconstitutionally.
The recent arrest of Dr. Machar has triggered widespread apprehension among South Sudanese citizens and international observers, who fear a resurgence of violent conflict.
The R-TGoNU, established by the 2018 peace agreement, aimed to end the civil war and facilitate a peaceful democratic transition.
The SPLM-IO categorically rejects any unilateral actions by the SPLM-IG that violate the R-ARCSS.
The party urges the international community, IGAD, the African Union, and all peace guarantors to intervene and ensure full compliance with the R-ARCSS. The SPLM-IO reiterates its commitment to peace but will not accept any imposed changes or violations of the agreement.