Kiir sidelines Machar loyalists in reconstituted peace implementation committee

H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan [Photo: Courtesy]

By Matik Kueth
President Salva Kiir has restructured South Sudan’s High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on the Implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), appointing 31 members from various political parties and stakeholder groups.

The reconstitution, announced via presidential decrees broadcast on the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), notably omits key loyalists of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, who remains under house arrest.

The newly reconstituted committee’s mandate covers critical areas of the peace process, including overseeing the implementation of the peace deal excluding Chapter Two, which addresses transitional security arrangements, coordinating efforts toward the 2026 elections, engaging both local and international stakeholders, and securing funding in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and global partners.

Appointees include prominent figures such as Kuol Manyang Juuk of the SPLM, Lasuba Ludoru Wongo of the SPLM-IO (Juba faction), and Dr. Lam Akol of the SSOA, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, National Agenda–Secretary General, Michael Makuei Lueth, SPLM – Member, Simon Kun Puoch, SPLM – Member, Bol Makueng Yol, SPLM – Member, Abuk Jervas Makuac, SPLM – Member, Joseph Geng Akec, SPLM – Member, John Oryem Ernest, SPLM – Member, Dr. Nadia Arop Dudi, SPLM – Member, Dr. Santino Ayuel Longar, SPLM – Member, Taban Luka Guya, National Agenda – Member, Joseph Malek Arop, National Agenda – Member, Agnes Poni Lukudu, National Agenda – Member, and Dhoruai Mabor Teny, National Agenda – Member.

Others were Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec, Democratic Change – Member, Suhile Deng Adam, Democratic Change – Member, Julius Tabuley Daniel, SSOA – Member, Michael Ayuen Johnson, SSOA – Member, Agok Makur Kur, SPLM-IO – Member, Sarah Cleto Rial, SPLM-IO – Member, Yar Telar Ring Deng, SPLM-IO – Member, John Barayona Furula, SPLM-IO – Member, Bol Jock Jek, SPLM-IO – Member, Isaiah Hakim Garang, FDs – Member, Albino Akol Atak, OPP – Member, Richard Omwong Valent, OPP – Member, Majok Mading Dier, OPP – Member, Mayen Jeremiah Turic, OPP – Member, and William Lochi, Deputy Secretary-General of Government – Secretariat.

However, the role of this new committee in relation to the existing National Transitional Committee (NTC), which was created earlier this year and is chaired by Gen. Kuol Manyang, is ambiguous, raising concerns about potential overlaps or replacements.

The move has stirred controversy, particularly over the exclusion of Machar-aligned SPLM/A-IO members.

The newly appointed SPLM-IO representatives are largely affiliated with a breakaway faction under Stephen Par Kuol, the Minister of Peacebuilding, whom Machar loyalists accuse of attempting to usurp the party’s leadership in collaboration with President Kiir.

Dr. Machar was detained on March 26 following a deadly incident in Nasir Town, where an attempt to evacuate Gen. David Majur Dak during a UN mission resulted in his death and 27 of his bodyguards.

The government claimed that Machar orchestrated the attack through his forces, including the White Army, a group of armed Nuer youth, despite his efforts to coordinate the evacuation of the SSDPF’s General.

Since then, Machar and his inner circle have remained in detention, which has intensified political tensions surrounding the peace process.

 

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