By Matik Kueth
The First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, has instructed all SPLM/A-IO members appointed to the security mechanism implementing the peace process to resume their duties despite mounting clashes on the outskirts of Juba City.
In a statement made on Tuesday, Puok Both Baluang, Acting Press Secretary in the FVP’s office, stressed that the SPLM-IO did not withdraw from crucial political and security mechanisms of the 2018 peace accord.
“The Office of the First Vice President and Chairman of Commander-in-Chief of SPLM/A-I0, Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, wishes to clarify the status of the SPLM/A-IO’s involvement in peace implementation mechanisms. The SPLM/A-IO has not suspended its participation in these mechanisms. Therefore, all SPLM/A-IO representatives who serve on all peace implementation mechanisms are hereby directed to continue fulfilling their assigned duties.” Baluang stated.
“However, the detention of representatives, along with the unavailability of other members due to intimidation and a generally unconducive environment, has resulted in the paralysis of several mechanisms,” he added.
Baluang urged the National Security Service (NSS) and SSPDF Military Intelligence (MI) to end all types of intimidation against SPLM/A-IO members in order for them to carry out their duties efficiently.
On March 18, 2025, Oyet Nathaniel, Deputy Chairman of the SPLM-IO, expressed discontent over the ongoing detentions of SPLM/A-IO members, noting that the involvement of SPLM/A-IO members in the Joint Defense Board (JDB), High-Level Political Committee (HLPC), Joint Military Ceasefire Committee (JMCC), and Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) is halted until the release of the detained officials.
This decision follows the controversial detention of several party officials, sparking major concerns about the credibility of the peace implementation structures.
Despite several officials, including Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Phar, being freed, many prominent opposition figures remain in custody.
Among those still detained include Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several military officials.
Oyet emphasized the urgency of their release, stating that, “All the participation of the members of the said security and political mechanisms is hereby frozen with immediate effect.”
While halting its participation in the peace mechanisms, Nathaniel also noted that it will continue to attend RJMEC Plenary Sessions to lobby for the release of its incarcerated members, citing the arrests as damaging to the revived peace deal.