Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) under the leadership of Stephen Par Kuol has suspended seven of its members in Eastern Equatoria State (EES) for allegedly orchestrating activities aimed at undermining the party’s interim leadership.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the embattled Interim Chairman of the breakaway group on Monday.
The suspended members include Marko Lokidor Lochapto, Ochola Bosco Oringa, Sammy Aperengole Lopeyok, Lulea Charles Jankarlo, Vitale Offire Raphael, Mary Juwa William, and Visor Likali Olum.
According to the statement, the party leadership received “disturbing, corroborated reports” accusing the group of masterminding a campaign to destabilise the interim leadership in EES.
The allegations centre on claims that the suspended members authored accusations against the interim leadership, alleging they betrayed SPLM-IO Chairman Dr. Riek Machar Teny and staged a coup against him.
Par’s statement described these actions as an attempt to “malign the character and impugn the integrity” of the interim leadership, accusing the group of recruiting co-conspirators to further their agenda.
The statement further asserts that the suspended members’ actions threatened the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which the interim leadership is working to advance with partners to prevent a return to conflict.
Mr. Par noted that the individuals’ plans were thwarted when those they sought to influence rejected their allegations and chose to support the interim leadership.
Citing his authority under the National Liberation Council Meeting held on April 9, 2025, at Palm Africa Hotel, and referencing Regulations 22, 15.6, and 15.7 of the SPLM-IO Internal Regulations of 2014, Par announced the immediate suspension of the seven members from all responsibilities assigned by the party.
The suspensions highlight ongoing internal divisions within the SPLM-IO, which have persisted amid challenges in implementing the 2018 peace agreement. Mr. Par persistently faced adversity from senior SPLM-IO members aligned with Machar since declaring his interim chairmanship in April.
With Machar in detention, party members such as Oyet Nathaniel, Angelina Teny, and Martin Gama Abucha have refused to endorse the decision taken by Par, deepening the rift within the party.
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
