VP Bol Urges political Parties to Dismantle Militant Wings

By Awan Achiek

The Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, , urged political parties to eliminate their military wings to promote stability in the country.

Currently, both the SPLM-IO and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance maintain military wings.

The Political Parties Act of 2022 prohibits the registration of political parties that have active armed wings.

Speaking During his swearing-in ceremony in Juba on Thursday, Bol emphasized the need to abolish armed wings of political parties to restore peace in the country.

“All political parties are not allowed to have a military wing. The South Sudan People’s Defense Force is the only legitimate army,” Bol stated.

He asserted that no political party has the right to control military wings or to be led by a commander-in-chief.

“This is a dangerous and unacceptable breach of democratic norms. We must put an end to this madness. It’s unacceptable,” he said.

Bol warned that any group or individual acting outside the law would face consequences.

“Political parties with private armies cannot and will not participate in the peace process or any democratic processes, including the 2026 election.”

He confirmed that the 2026 general elections will proceed as scheduled, ruling out any extension of the current transitional government after the roadmap expires.

“As we all know, elections must be held in 2026, without extension. We, as the SPLM and our leader, are committed to the 2026 elections.”

Bol urged the people of South Sudan to denounce all armed groups operating outside the law.

“Their sole responsibility is to intimidate, destabilize, and terrorize the people of South Sudan. We need to achieve peace,” he said.

“Only through the rule of law, national unity, and legitimate security structures can we have a peaceful and functioning country. Let us come together as one people in the spirit of dialogue.”