By Matik Kueth
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) accused President Salva Kiir Mayardit of violating the revitalized peace agreement by dismissing James Odhok Oyai as governor of Upper Nile State.
This accusation comes after President Kiir sacked Oyai in a presidential decree read on state-owned SSBC on Wednesday, appointing Lt. Gen. Koang Chuol, the SSPDF Assistant Chief of Defense for Training and Research, as his successor.
In a statement, Puok Both Baluang, Acting Press Secretary in the First Vice President’s office (FVP), noted that Kiir’s decision is another unilateral step and a serious violation of the peace deal.
“This is to inform our members and the public that President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to relieve the Governor of Upper Nile State, H.E. James Odhok Oyai, of his duties, and effectively consolidate control of the state within his party by appointing Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol, Assistant CDF for Training and Research for the SSPDF, constitutes another unilateral action and a severe violation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement,” Baluang stated.
He further pointed out that it is clear the SPLM-IG no longer respects what is outlined in the peace agreement.
President Kiir’s decision coincides with escalating tensions in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, where the government has accused the SPLM-IO of instigating clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, an accusation the SPLM-IO has vehemently denied as false and untrue.
Amid the chaos, Oyai attempted to alleviate the situation by communicating with local authorities, but SSPDF gunships continued to bombard Nasir and Ulang Counties.
On March 6, 2025, FVP Dr. Riek Machar dispatched a committee to negotiate with the White Army and SPLA-IO forces in Nasir, to prevent attacks and facilitate the evacuation of besieged SSPDF Commander Lt. Gen. Majur Dak and his soldiers.
However, these efforts were futile, resulting in the deaths of Dak, 27 soldiers, and a UN chopper crew member.
On March 17, government spokesperson Michael Makuei, blamed the SPLM-IO for the violence in Nasir, despite Machar’s efforts to mediate.
The SPLM-IO views Kiir’s recent move as a violation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which granted the SPLM-IO governorship of Upper Nile and the SPLM deputy governorship.
The 2018 peace agreement, signed by President Kiir and FVP Dr. Riek Machar to end the civil war, has encountered slow implementation, with many essential tasks—including security arrangements and constitutional processes—still outstanding.