The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) has rejected President Salva Kiir's proposed inter-party dialogue, citing the need for neutral mediation to revive South Sudan's stalled peace process. Acting SPLM-IO chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino made this position clear during a meeting with the African Union's Ad Hoc High-Level Committee for South Sudan, known as the C5. The committee is consulting with political stakeholders ahead of its meeting with Kiir in Juba.
The C5, chaired by South Africa and comprising Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda, is tasked with supporting the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement. Oyet expressed the SPLM-IO's support for dialogue but opposed a process led by Kiir, arguing that he cannot serve as both a party to the conflict and the leader of negotiations. The SPLM-IO also accused the government of undermining the peace agreement through the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar and changes to positions allocated to the SPLM-IO.
The SPLM-IO further stated that elections should not be held before key provisions of the peace agreement are implemented, including permanent constitution-making, security-sector reform, and the unification of forces. South Sudan is scheduled to hold elections in December, after several postponements. The deadline for political party registration expired on June 30, amid concerns over security, funding, and delays in implementing the peace agreement.
The C5 has backed the planned elections but emphasized the need for them to be peaceful, credible, and conducted in line with the peace agreement. The committee also called for outstanding reforms and the release of political detainees, including Machar. Oyet urged the international community to increase pressure on Juba, including the enforcement of existing sanctions and the United Nations arms embargo.
The SPLM-IO is consulting with other opposition groups, including the United People's Alliance, SSOMA, and the National Salvation Front. The movement has been divided since Machar's detention in March 2025, with a rival faction led by Stephen Par Kuol and based in Juba recognized by Kiir's government as its partner in implementing the peace agreement.
The C5's consultations take place as the December election deadline approaches, with disagreement over the peace process and electoral conditions continuing to threaten South Sudan's political transition. Previous attempts at dialogue have stalled, and the SPLM-IO's call for neutral mediation has added a new layer of complexity to the negotiations.
The situation in South Sudan remains volatile, with ongoing concerns over security, funding, and the implementation of the peace agreement. The international community is watching closely, and the SPLM-IO's call for neutral mediation has added to the pressure on Juba to address the outstanding issues.
Key points
- SPLM-IO calls for neutral mediation in South Sudan's stalled peace process talks.
- Elections in South Sudan should not be held before key provisions of the peace agreement are implemented.
- International community urged to increase pressure on Juba to enforce existing sanctions and UN arms embargo.
