Detained Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) leader Dr. Riek Machar has confirmed Regina Joseph Kaba as the movement's acting chairperson. Machar made the statement while addressing the Special Court in Juba during the 126th session. He denied allegations that either of them commands the White Army. Machar's detention since March 2025 has led to competing claims to leadership within the opposition movement.
Machar's confirmation of Kaba as acting chairperson comes after a high-level command meeting on August 31, 2026. Kaba replaced Nathaniel Oyet Pierino, who had been serving as acting chairperson and commander-in-chief. However, Oyet has maintained that he remains the legitimate acting chair of the SPLM-IO. This has led to a leadership dispute within the movement, with Oyet suspending Kaba and seven other senior officials.
Kaba rejected Oyet's decision and subsequently issued a counter-order suspending him. This has divided senior political and military officials within the movement. Machar's remarks now affirm Kaba's position as the acting chairperson. The dispute highlights the challenges faced by the SPLM-IO in maintaining unity and leadership.
Machar also reiterated that he was not a White Army commander and had already presented reasons for his position to the court. He denied instructing the late Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak to surrender during the Nasir crisis. Machar described statements by people aware of his intervention as politically motivated.
Machar disputed accounts given by officials during Majur Dak's burial, including statements about the roles of Gen. Paul Nang, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, and other military commanders. He alleged that the two generals who traveled to Malakal had received their orders from Gen. Paul Nang's office.
Machar also referred to public statements by Gen. James Koang Chuol and Gen. Johnson Olony, saying speeches at Majur Dak's funeral contained hate speech and amounted to a declaration of war. He cited more than 20 reported clashes between armed youths and South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) personnel from 2020 to 2025.
Machar and seven co-accused face charges including treason, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity. They denied the charges. Prosecutors allege that forces aligned with the SPLM/A-IO and the White Army attacked a government garrison in Nasir, killing 257 soldiers, including Majur Dak, and destroying or seizing military equipment worth about US$58 million.
Key points
- Regina Joseph Kaba confirmed as acting SPLM-IO chairperson by Riek Machar.
- Leadership dispute within SPLM-IO between Kaba and Nathaniel Oyet.
- Machar denies commanding the White Army and involvement in Nasir clashes.
