By Philip Buda Ladu
Transitional Government of National Unity has unveiled plans to revitalize the implementation of the 2018 Peace Agreement by reshuffling political positions within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO).
This move could see the replacement of SPLM-IO’s detained leader, First Vice President Riek Machar, along with his key allies.
Machar, currently under house arrest, is accused of collaborating with the White Army in Nasir County, which clashed with the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in March.
His removal as First Vice President under the unity government now appears imminent.
The plan was announced Saturday during a press conference organized by the Ministry of Information to update the public on the current political situation following the Nasir crisis, which has further destabilized the country.
Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and rapporteur of the High-Level Standing Committee (HLSC) for the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), outlined a strategic “Plan to Reinvigorate R-ARCSS Implementation” focusing on reshuffling SPLM-IO representation within the unity government.
According to Lomuro, the Nasir crisis has fractured the SPLM/A-IO into several groups: those under investigation or in conflict with the law, those in hiding, those in self-exile, and those still participating in the government.
Lomuro said the HLSC, composed of all parties to the peace agreement, must urgently meet to recognize the legitimate SPLM/A-IO faction to continue the agreement’s implementation and reaffirm leadership representation.
“The HLSC shall submit candidate nominations from recognized SPLM/A-IO representatives for restructuring the implementation mechanisms and national commissions to the President for appointment,” Lomuro disclosed.
This development follows the emergence of a splinter faction within the SPLM-IO, led by Peace building Minister Stephen Par Kuol and his allies. In March, they held a “leadership consultative meeting” in Juba, during which Par Kuol declared himself interim chairman of the IO, replacing the detained Machar.
However, Par’s move was strongly condemned by other SPLM/A-IO factions—including those in hiding, in exile, under investigation, and the movement’s military wing—which reaffirmed their loyalty to Machar.
Lomuro added that the HLSC would also engage the Ministry of Finance and Planning to review and adjust the budget of electoral institutions to ensure sufficient funding.
On electoral preparations, Lomuro said the HLSC would coordinate with electoral bodies and the National Transitional Committee (NTC) to draft a new, realistic schedule for implementing outstanding provisions and holding credible elections by 2026.
Additionally, the committee plans to work with the NTC to expedite the unification and integration of forces into a cohesive national army, a crucial step toward completing the security sector reforms.
Lomuro noted that the HLSC will draft a comprehensive roadmap with clear timelines and processes to resolve contentious or delayed articles in the R-ARCSS, ensuring inclusivity and enforceability.
President Salva Kiir appointed Machar as First Vice President in 2020 under the peace deal, seeking to end the civil war that had forced Machar to flee Juba in 2016, after which he was replaced by Gen. Taban Deng Gai.
However, the implementation of the 2018 revitalized agreement has progressed sluggishly, with activists and peace monitors blaming a lack of political will for delays in key reforms, including security restructuring, election preparations, and the drafting of a permanent constitution.
Information Minister and Government Spokesman Michael Makuei Lueth speaking during the Saturday’s press conference echoed that Machar’s position could be vacated if the ongoing investigation finds sufficient evidence against him.
“As for his position, of course, it will be vacated when necessary. If the investigation committee finds a case against Riek Machar, they will recommend prosecution,” Makuei said. “If the probe warrants a trial, the committee would advise the president to dismiss him. He cannot be tried while still serving as First Vice President—he must be relieved of his position first. If no case is found, he will be discharged.”
Makuei emphasized that Machar’s detention does not threaten the broader peace process, which is expected to culminate in general elections scheduled for December 2026.
“Riek Machar is a leader, yes. But his conflict with the law is a separate issue,” Makuei explained. “His arrest does not mean the SPLM-IO has collapsed. The party continues, and the faction in government remains committed to the peace agreement.”