Government Recognises SPLM-IO Interim Leadership

By Jenifer James

The High-Level Standing Committee (HLSC) of the South Sudan peace agreement On Thursday, formally recognised the interim leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by Stephen Par Kuol, during a crucial meeting in Juba. This recognition reaffirms the committee’s commitment to the ongoing implementation of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement.

Speaking to the media, Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro highlighted the committee’s unity and determination to guide the country towards elections scheduled for 2026.

Lomuro confirmed that after hearing from Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, the representative of SPLM-IO, the committee decided to acknowledge the legitimacy of the movement’s interim leadership.

“With this recognition, the SPLM-IO now has the authority to nominate new members to fill positions in the High-Level Committee or any other body established by the agreement,” Lomuro stated.

The meeting also addressed issues related to the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and the vacancy left by the vice president in the committee. “We have agreed that the vice president will submit a new replacement. That should not pose any issue,” he added.

Lomuro reaffirmed the committee’s endorsement of the government’s strategic response plan issued on April 26, 2025, stating, “We will continue with implementation expeditiously as outlined in that plan.”

Addressing concerns from international observers, Lomuro declared, “The agreement on the resolution of conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is alive, active, and being implemented. We call on all institutions and parties to refrain from statements that contradict this reality.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Peace Building and SPLM-IO representative Stephen Par Kuol echoed Lomuro’s remarks and expressed gratitude for the committee’s support.

“We have just concluded the High-Level Committee meetings in which the SPLM-IO interim leadership was unanimously recognised,” said Par Kuol. “We are grateful to our colleagues from all other parties, ITGONU, SSOA, and OPP, who endorsed us as the legitimate representatives of the SPLM-IO.”

He called on the international community, particularly the diplomatic corps in Juba, to acknowledge the unity among peace partners.

“All the parties in the RTGoNU are working together to ensure the agreement is implemented in both spirit and letter. Any past violations will be addressed accordingly,” he asserted.

In early April this year, the SPLM-IO endorsed Stephen Par Kuol as the interim leader, replacing detained chairman Dr. Riek Machar.