Muzamil Ojwok, the Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, claimed that on Thursday, May 1, 2025, over 200 members of the SPLM-IO in Upper Nile State gathered at the state general secretariat in Malakal to endorse the new interim leadership formed on April 9, 2025, in Juba.
The minister also claimed that the event was attended by state ministers, members of the state parliament, women, youth, students, veteran leagues, and party cadres to mark a significant show of support for the leadership tasked with guiding the party until Dr. Riek Machar is released from house arrest.
In the statement obtained by Sudans Post, Mr Ojwok expressed unwavering support for the interim leadership led by Mr Par, deputised by Lasuba Ludoru Wango, with Magok Makur Kur serving as Secretary General.
The statement emphasised the group’s commitment to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the pursuit of peace through dialogue, without mentioning other “leaders” who also endorsed the breakaway group.
“We are here to stand and support the interim leadership to serve until Dr. Riek Machar is released from house arrest,” the statement read.
In reference to senior members of the SPLM-IO who are currently in exile, the statement further rejected groups operating outside South Sudan, asserting that leadership must be based within the country and state to effectively serve the people.
“The SPLM-IO in Upper Nile State has already begun implementing R-ARCSS activities under the new leadership,” the statement read.
While the endorsement reflects a broader call for peace, it is not seemingly reflective of the state party’s leadership position as seen from the interim secretariat’s stamp.
“Dialogue is the only way forward to restore peace in South Sudan,” the statement concluded, urging all stakeholders to leave behind bitterness and work toward a peaceful future.
On April 9, a group within SPLM-IO convened in Juba and established an interim leadership structure, with Koul being appointed as the interim chair.
This action was taken without the participation of several top officials. While Kuol stated that this structure is temporary and intended to cease once Machar is released, the move faced criticisms from the party’s senior officials.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition, the military wing of the SPLM-IO, pledged their allegiance to the detained party’s leader, Dr. Riek Machar, in reflection of the absence of internal consensus.
