The National Democratic Movement (NDM), the Federal Democratic Party, and the South Sudan National Movement for Change have announced plans to sue the Political Parties Council. They claim the Council's Chairperson, James Akol Zakayo, exceeded his powers by changing their registered leaders and adding new parties to the official list. The parties, part of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), accuse Zakayo of violating the Political Parties Act, 2012.
NDM Secretary of Information Kai Tap confirmed that the Ministry of Justice had received their notice of intention to sue. He stated that this is a normal legal procedure and that the public will be informed of any developments. Tap said the parties expect a response within about one week and will decide on further action if there is no response.
The parties are challenging an order that changed their registered leadership, according to a notice submitted through their lawyer, Paulino A. Adowin. The notice states that the Council published a list of 39 registered parties after registration closed on June 30, 2026. However, a new list circulated in Juba in September made changes to their leadership and added new parties.
The parties argue that Zakayo acted beyond his authority and violated the Political Parties Act. They are asking the court to declare the leadership changes null and void, suspend their implementation, and award compensation for disruptions caused. The notice of intention to sue does not necessarily mean a court case has been formally filed.
The changes to the list of registered parties have caused significant disruptions, according to the parties. They claim that the new list has created confusion and uncertainty among their members and supporters. The parties are seeking to have the changes reversed and to have their original leadership recognized.
Eye Radio has not yet received a response from the Political Parties Council regarding the allegations. The Council's Chairperson, James Akol Zakayo, has not publicly commented on the matter. The parties have informed the Ministry of Justice of their intention to sue and are awaiting a response.
The planned lawsuit highlights tensions within South Sudan's political landscape. The country has struggled with conflict and instability since gaining independence in 2011. The South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) is one of the key opposition groups, and the leadership changes have created divisions within the alliance.
Key points
- The National Democratic Movement, the Federal Democratic Party, and the South Sudan National Movement for Change plan to sue the Political Parties Council over changes to their registered leadership.
- The parties claim that the Council's Chairperson, James Akol Zakayo, exceeded his powers and violated the Political Parties Act.
- The planned lawsuit highlights tensions within South Sudan's political landscape and could have significant implications for the country's stability.
