![SPLA-IO deputy spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel speaks to media about the progress and challenges facing the transitional security arrangement in Juba on October 2, 2019. [Photo by Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lam.jpg?resize=1024%2C481&quality=89&ssl=1)
A group of senior SPLM-IO party members this morning in Juba endorsed Stephen Par Kuol, the country’s peacebuilding minister, as the party’s interim leader, replacing detained chairman Dr. Riek Machar.
Par Kuol is deputized by Federal Affairs Minister Losuba Wongo, and Agok Makur is the party’s Secretary General. He will serve as the party’s interim chairperson until FVP Dr. Riek Machar is released.
Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO spokesperson, rejected the replacement of Machar, stating that they are not part of the ‘betrayers’ in Juba led by Phar Kuol.
“The SPLA-IO would like to inform the public, IGAD, AU, UN, and the international community that it is not part and parcel of the betrayers in Juba led by Phar Kuol,” Lam said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He stated that the SPLA-IO is under the full command and control of Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, and in his absence, Gen. Nathaniel Oyet Pierino will be in charge.
“The SPLA-IO Acting Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Peter Thok Chuol, hereby directs all sector and division commanders to distance themselves from the betrayers in Juba.”
He stated that the SPLA-IO Deputy General for National Security Services, Lt. Gen. Yiey Dak, also instructs all personnel under his command to distance themselves from the coup leader, Stephen Phar Kuol, and his team in Juba.
“All SPLA-IO security units still stand with H.E. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon and Gen. Nathaniel Oyet Pierino,” he said.
