In a statement released Saturday, Oyet claimed the group had received credible intelligence of a renewed plan to assassinate Machar in Juba. He alleged that the plot was conceived by President Salva Kiir, two unnamed Vice Presidents, and a former Minister of Petroleum prior to Machar’s detention in March this year.
“The SPLM/SPLA-IO warn of serious consequences and shall hold President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his accomplices responsible for any incident that threatens the life of Dr. Riek Machar Teny,” Oyet said.
He further called for international intervention, appealing to IGAD, the African Union, the United Nations, Troika countries, the European Union, and other partners to act swiftly to safeguard Machar and other political detainees.
Oyet also welcomed the September 24 release of 74 political prisoners but reiterated his demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Machar and the remaining detainees.
But Gatkuoth, a retired diplomat who also served as South Sudan Head of Mission to the United States, dismissed the allegations as “false and unfounded,” warning that such claims could fuel instability.
“Making such statements amounts to incitement and war-mongering, which only undermines peace and stability in our country,” Gatkuoth said in a counter-statement issued the same day.
He argued that the SPLM-IO’s allegations unfairly linked him to the alleged plot, noting that South Sudan has had several Vice Presidents and multiple former Petroleum Ministers. It was unclear why Gatkuoth thought the statement was aimed at him.
“Dr. Riek Machar Teny, myself, and many others were protected by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit during the July 2016 fighting at J1. President Kiir has never believed in assassinations or political murders,” he said.
According to Gatkuoth, Machar remains under the protection of the Presidential Guard, with his security “fully guaranteed” under Kiir’s orders. He stressed that the current situation involving Machar is a legal matter before the courts, not a threat to his life.
“I strongly urge the public to disregard the false and malicious claims being circulated by Nathaniel Oyet Pierrino,” Gatkuoth said, adding that such “fabrications” risk inciting division and fear.
