Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), Nathaniel Oyet Pierino, has pledged to continue armed resistance against the government of South Sudan. In a statement released on Monday, November 3, 2026, Oyet accused the government of violating the peace agreement and attacking opposition positions. He also alleged that the government is using court proceedings against detained opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar to weaken the movement.
Oyet claimed that government forces have attacked SPLM-IO cantonments, training centers, and villages before declaring the movement’s forces rebels. However, these allegations could not be independently verified. The statement comes amid deepening divisions within the SPLM/A-IO following Machar’s detention in March 2025. Rival factions have been disputing the movement’s leadership and direction, with Oyet asserting his own leadership of the movement.
On Monday, Machar confirmed Regina Joseph Kaba as the movement’s acting chairperson while insisting that she did not command the White Army. Oyet, meanwhile, has asserted his own leadership of the movement, insisting he remains the legitimate acting chairperson. This development has further escalated tensions within the opposition ranks.
Machar is currently being prosecuted alongside seven co-accused over their alleged roles in the March 2025 attack on an army garrison in Nasir, Upper Nile State. More than 200 soldiers, including Maj. Gen. Majur Dak, were reportedly killed in the attack. Machar has denied commanding the White Army or directing the attack.
Oyet accused the Juba regime of weaponizing court proceedings to weaken the opposition leadership, saying the process is being used against both Machar and himself. He also claimed that authorities are using SPLM-IO members against the movement. Oyet urged SPLM-IO members, supporters, and civilians to remain calm and steadfast, saying the movement is “closer to victory.”
The government has not responded to Oyet’s latest allegations and threats. Oyet’s statement vows that his faction has refused to surrender and would continue fighting, warning the government that its efforts to neutralize the movement would fail. He emphasized that his group remains committed to liberating the country and freeing political prisoners.
Oyet’s vow to continue armed resistance has raised concerns about the potential for further conflict in South Sudan. The country has been plagued by violence and instability since gaining independence in 2011. The situation remains volatile, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts.
Key points
- Oyet Pierino accuses the government of violating the peace agreement and attacking opposition positions.
- The government has not responded to Oyet’s allegations and threats.
- Oyet vows to continue armed resistance, citing alleged government efforts to weaken the opposition leadership.
