By Matik Kueth
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) declared the R-ARCSS “collapsed” following the suspension and indictment of its leader, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
In a statement issued on Monday, Oyet Nathaniel, SPLM-IO’s Acting Chairman, slammed the legitimacy of the current government, accusing President Salva Kiir of orchestrating a political purge under the guise of legal proceedings.
“The suspension of the First Vice President from the Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) is a grave violation which effectively brings the implementation of the Political and Security provisions of the R-ARCSS to a complete stop,” Nathaniel stated.
He added, “The current regime in the Republic of South Sudan is not based on the R-ARCSS; it is a setup of dictatorship, peace spoilers, and state capture that is holding power illegally and by violence.”
Machar’s sudden suspension and legal indictment
The standoff began when President Salva Kiir issued a presidential decree last week suspending Machar from his post as First Vice President, a position he has held since the 2020 formation of the unity government under the R-ARCSS, along with Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol, pending the outcome of the trial.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Joseph Geng Akech worsened the situation by announcing that Machar and other senior SPLM-IO leaders will face murder and treason charges as a result of the ministry’s investigation into the Nasir incident.
Justice Geng said the case will be referred to South Sudan’s High Court, marking the first time a sitting First Vice President has faced treason charges in the country’s history.
However, Machar’s defense team has confirmed they are prepared to mount a full defense against what they called “baseless and politically engineered” accusations.
They also assured the public that other accused detainees are in good health and high spirits, and commended the Office of the Public Prosecutor and relevant authorities for their cooperation and protection of the detainees of the detainees.
SPLM-IO denies charges, terms it a ‘witch-hunt’
The SPLM-IO said it will not recognize or participate in what it called a “politically motivated witch-hunt” orchestrated by the SPLM-IG.
“Condemns and rejects all charges against the members of SPLM/SPLA-IO as these charges are violations of R-ARCSS, politically motivated, denials of Political Space, and a witch-hunt against Dr. Riek Machar Teny,” the statement read in part.
Nathaniel vowed that the group would demand Machar’s release “by all means” if he and other detained officials are not freed unconditionally.
He appealed for national mobilization, urging its political members, military wings, and ordinary citizens to prepare to defend the country’s sovereignty.
“In light of the political trials, abrogation of the R-ARCSS and ongoing military campaign by the regime’s forces, the SPLM/SPLA-IO hereby calls upon all its supporters… to use all means available to regain their Country and Sovereignty,” he stressed.
Machar’s suspension and impending treason trial threaten to shatter the power-sharing agreement that has held since 2020.
Last week, the United Nations called on the government to ensure that any legal proceedings against suspended Dr. Machar and seven others meet international standards of fairness and transparency.
It further urged all parties to ease tensions and address the needs of South Sudanese citizens.
“As the political and security situation continues to deteriorate, it is more important than ever that the country’s leaders put the interests of their people first,” said Dujarric, Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General.
The African Union and the regional bloc IGAD, which are crucial guarantors of the peace agreement, have yet to comment on the developments.