By Matik Kueth
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) has rejected the upcoming second phase of training for the Necessary Unified Forces, citing political manipulation and betrayal by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
The rejection follows a statement issued on July 21, 2025, by Kuol Manyang Juuk, Chairperson of the National Transitional Committee (NTC), announcing that the second phase of training would begin on September 1.
In response, Lt. Gen. Peter Thok Chuol, Acting Chief of General Staff for the SPLA-IO, dismissed the announcement as “misleading and lacking credibility.” In a press statement released Friday, the SPLA-IO accused the SSPDF of committing atrocities, engaging in political interference, and undermining the transitional security arrangements.
The dispute threatens to further stall the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, particularly the security sector reforms seen as crucial to the country’s stability ahead of planned national elections.
“The SPLA-IO hereby categorically rejects the so-called phase two of the security arrangements,” he said.
He added, “As long as H.E. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon (PhD), the FVP and Commander in Chief of the SPLA-IO, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam and all those illegally and cowardly detained are not released to pave way for a genuine dialogue.”
Chuol accused the SSPDF and its allied forces of committing “gross atrocities” and failing to uphold neutrality in the peace process.
“It is unfortunate that the SSPDF decided to remain loyal to a party (SPLM-IG) instead of the Nation. This call for phase two therefore lacks truth and sense unless it is meant to extort money for personal benefit of a few,” he said.
The group also raised concerns about the lack of impartiality within the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), claiming that the recent redeployment orders issued by the SPLM/A-IO’s Deputy Chairman had been ignored by CTSAMVM leadership.
“This shows partiality which will not be taken lightly by the SPLA-IO leadership,” the statement said, warning that CTSAMVM monitors could face restricted access to SPLA-IO-held territories if the redeployment is not immediately honored.
In a stern directive, the SPLA-IO also ordered its forces to disregard the NTC’s call for phase two to remain vigilant until further directives.
The denial reflects a significant escalation in tensions between signatories to the revitalized peace agreement, raising fears of a further breakdown in the fragile peace process.
It also puts renewed focus on the detention of key opposition leaders and the impartiality of institutions tasked with enforcing peace agreements.