The Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) led by former first vice president, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, has rejected the country's planned December 22 general elections. The party accuses the government of pursuing a unilateral electoral process without the consensus and participation of all parties to the 2018 peace agreement. This move could further destabilize the country, according to Regina Joseph Kaba, Interim Deputy Chairperson of SPLM/A-IO.
Kaba warned that proceeding with elections under a compromised framework could lead to violence and undermine the country's fragile peace process. The SPLM/A-IO also rejected amendments to the 2018 peace agreement and electoral laws, describing them as a "deliberate dismantling" of critical pre-election prerequisites for free, fair, and transparent elections. The party views these actions as a grave violation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The SPLM/A-IO further rejected the government-planned Inter-Party Political Dialogue scheduled for September 24, describing it as "political theatre" rather than a genuine effort to resolve the country's political crisis. The party believes the dialogue is a partisan gathering of the government and its selected affiliates, intended to rubber-stamp predetermined outcomes. According to Kaba, a genuine national dialogue requires the active participation of all key stakeholders, including non-signatory groups to the 2018 peace agreement.
Kaba demanded the immediate release of its leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, and other political detainees. She called for an inclusive inter-dialogue that guarantees the active participation of all key stakeholders, including genuine non-signatory groups, to the 2018 peace agreement. The talks, she said, must be conducted under robust regional and international mediation, specifically led by IGAD, the African Union, the Troika, and the United Nations.
The SPLM/A-IO also demanded a neutral venue for political talks, away from the current atmosphere of intimidation and political coercion in Juba. According to Kaba, genuine peace cannot be brokered in an environment controlled by a single faction. The party called upon the R-JMEC, IGAD, the AU C5, the Troika, and the broader regional and international community to take strict note of these unilateral maneuvers and to intervene decisively.
The rejection of the December elections by SPLM-IO comes amid concerns over the country's readiness for a democratic transition. The party's stance has raised concerns about the potential for violence and instability in the country. The international community has been urged to take a closer look at the situation and intervene to prevent any further destabilization of the peace process.
The situation in South Sudan remains fragile, with many stakeholders expressing concerns about the country's transition to democracy. The SPLM-IO's rejection of the December elections has added to the uncertainty, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming months. The country's peace process and democratic transition are at a critical juncture, and the international community is watching closely.
Key points
- SPLM-IO rejects December elections due to lack of consensus and participation.
- Party demands immediate release of Dr. Riek Machar Teny and other political detainees.
- SPLM-IO calls for inclusive inter-dialogue with robust regional and international mediation.
