Maluong explained that his resignation was driven by the internal crisis within the SPLM-IO, which he said had paralyzed their ability to function as before under the Lakes State leadership.
He recalled that the crisis began after SPLM-IO Chairperson Dr. Riek Machar was arrested in Juba, leading to the emergence of a faction calling itself an “interim leadership.” According to him, this group divided the party and gained recognition from the government.
“For us who are loyalists, and for me personally, I remain loyal to our chairman, His Excellency the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar,” Maluong said. “It is not in our understanding to join the interim leadership that betrayed him.”
He added that loyalists have chosen to distance themselves from the crisis while seeking answers as to why Dr. Machar and other SPLM-IO officials were arrested.
“This is why I resigned,” he explained. “Many leaders loyal to Dr. Machar are being mistreated. Some have been arrested in Lakes State, while the majority have been dismissed from their duties. That is the reason I stepped down.”
Maluong claimed that the interim SPLM-IO leadership under Par Kuol created an environment where government protection depended on one’s allegiance.
“If you are loyal to Par, you are safe in government,” he said. “But if you remain with Dr. Machar, the interim leadership collaborates with the government to have you arrested or removed from your position.”
He also suggested that Governor Rin Tueny’s failure to reshuffle his cabinet stemmed from President Salva Kiir’s rejection of their nominations.
“Surely, reshuffling will happen,” Maluong said. “The governor wants to remove me because I support Dr. Riek Machar, not Par Kuol’s interim leadership.”
Maluong stressed that he does not fear arrest or dismissal but chose resignation to avoid constant suspicion.
“People always asked whether I supported Par Kuol’s interim leadership or Dr. Machar’s camp,” he said. “I resigned to stop this finger-pointing.”
He concluded that his decision was a political statement calling for the full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. “My message is clear—we need to implement the peace deal by releasing First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, because this case is politically motivated,” Maluong said.
The court trial against Machar and seven of his co-accused commenced on Monday this week, but proceedings have been adjourned twice. Hearing resumes on Monday, 29th September 2025, with citizens and the international community closely monitoring.
