JUBA – The Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, has arrived in the United States for what the movement describes as a high-level diplomatic mission focused on securing the release of detained First Vice President Dr Riek Machar.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Puok Both Baluang, Acting Press Secretary in the Office of the First Vice President, Oyet arrived in Washington, D.C. on Friday evening at about 6:00 p.m. Central African Time.
The senior opposition figure, who served as the First Deputy Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly, was received upon arrival by SPLM/A-IO officials in the United States, including the head of the movement’s mission to the U.S., Dr Isaac Gang.
Both said Oyet is expected to hold meetings with senior officials of the United States government and other international stakeholders to discuss the political, security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
Central to the discussions, according to the SPLM/A-IO, will be efforts to push for the “immediate and unconditional release” of Machar and other members of the movement, who have been in detention since April 2025.
The opposition group said the diplomatic engagement is also aimed at encouraging renewed dialogue among South Sudanese political actors as part of broader efforts to restore stability and advance the implementation of peace agreements intended to end years of conflict in the country.
“The talks will focus on securing the immediate and unconditional release of First Vice President Dr Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon and other SPLM/A-IO detainees, and on resuming dialogue,” the statement said.
During his stay in the United States, Oyet is also expected to travel to several states where he will meet with members of the South Sudanese diaspora, community leaders, civil society organisations and faith-based groups.
These engagements, according to the movement, will focus on mobilising international and diaspora support for peace, reconciliation and humanitarian assistance for communities affected by conflict and economic hardship in South Sudan.
The SPLM/A-IO said the visit reflects its commitment to pursuing what it described as a durable and inclusive peace while strengthening relations with international partners, particularly the United States.
South Sudan has continued to face political tensions and humanitarian challenges as parties to the peace agreement struggle to fully implement key provisions aimed at stabilising the country and preparing it for long-delayed elections.
