SPLM-IO Insists Peace Still Viable Despite Machar Arrest

(JUBA COUNTY) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has reaffirmed its commitment to the 2018 peace agreement, even as its leader, Dr Riek Machar, remains under house arrest in the capital, Juba. The group has warned, however, that progress toward elections in December 2026 is unlikely unless key provisions of the agreement are implemented and Machar is released.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, Eng. Joseph Malwal Dong, Chairperson of the SPLM-IO Foreign Relations Committee and the group’s focal point in Juba, said the SPLM-IO was still committed to peace and dialogue. He confirmed that a statement demanding Machar’s release was delivered to President Salva Kiir on 29 July, but no formal response had been received.

Malwal said Dr Machar’s arrest lacks any legal basis, describing it as a disruption to the peace process. He stressed that Machar, as First Vice President and a key signatory to the Revitalised Peace Agreement, must be released unconditionally for meaningful implementation to continue. He also warned that failure to release Machar could jeopardise the entire peace framework.

Malwal expressed frustration that four months after the detention, there had been no direct communication or access to Machar. He raised concerns about Machar’s health, citing his known conditions of diabetes and hypertension, and warned that the continued denial of medical attention was both politically and morally unacceptable. He described the treatment of Machar as disrespectful, particularly given his status as a sitting vice president.

While acknowledging that SPLM-IO ministers and lawmakers still occupy positions in government, Malwal claimed attempts had been made to sideline their officials by replacing them with government loyalists. However, he noted that such actions had stopped in recent weeks. He insisted that the SPLM-IO remains fully engaged in the peace process, but emphasised that implementation is not the sole responsibility of one party.

Malwal said international guarantors, particularly IGAD and African regional powers, have been slow to act. He blamed the delay in intervention on regional preoccupations with other crises and called on the peace guarantors to step in urgently to save the agreement. He warned that without external pressure, the government led by Kiir would continue to undermine the deal.

The SPLM-IO dismissed any suggestions of replacing Machar as First Vice President, insisting he remains their legitimate leader. Malwal added that while some members of SPLM-IO had left the country, the majority of the party’s Political Bureau and parliamentary caucus remained intact. Only three committee chairs had defected, he noted, while 18 of the 28 members of the bureau remain in-country.

Malwal also addressed questions about the viability of the 2026 elections. He said they would only be credible if the peace agreement is fully implemented, particularly the constitutional review and unification of armed forces. He warned that any election held under current conditions would lack legitimacy and serve only to entrench the current government.

On dialogue with splinter factions such as that of Stephen Par, Malwal said the SPLM-IO was open to members rejoining without preconditions but saw no need for formal reconciliation efforts, given the small number of defectors.

Responding to criticism that the peace agreement has been repeatedly extended without meaningful progress, Malwal claimed that the main obstacle was not the agreement itself but the lack of political will by the SPLM-IG to implement it. He said that Machar’s release could revive momentum and allow both parties to return to dialogue and finalise preparations for elections.

He added that recent opportunities, such as Independence Day and Martyrs’ Day, could have been used by President Kiir to meet Machar and signal renewed commitment to peace, but those moments were missed.

Malwal concluded with a direct appeal to South Sudanese citizens, the government, and international stakeholders. He urged President Kiir to release Machar immediately and resume direct dialogue. He called on the international community to enforce accountability among all parties, warning that without pressure, the peace process would remain stagnant. He also urged South Sudanese citizens to remain hopeful, stating that the SPLM-IO is still committed to peace, but that justice must come first.