Aug 11, 2021 — South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, has lost key senior politicians including the Deputy Chairman and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM/A-IO, Dr. Henry Dilah Odwar, National Chairperson for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Goi Jooyul Yol, among other senior members of SPLM/A-IO representatives, members of the National Liberation Council and members of the Political Bureau.
The Declaration, which was made on Sunday, August 8th, 2021, and released today, August 11th, evaluates many weaknesses in the implementation of the peace agreement and in Dr. Riek Machar’s leadership.
“We, the SPLM in Opposition (SPLM – 10) members and leaders in and outside the country convened an urgent virtual meeting under the auspices of the Deputy Chairman and Deputy Commander in Chief of the SPLM/A – (IO), Hon. Henry Odwar, and ceased the opportunity to respond to the Kit-Gwang Declaration and the outcome of the Political Bureau meeting that took place in Juba on August 4, 2021,” Read part of their statement.
In their evaluation, the disgruntled politicians cite Machar’s past failures and current failures, and declare that they can no longer withstand them.
“troubled and disturbed by Dr. Riek Machar’s weak and compromised leadership quality that failed former Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – Nasir Faction, South Sudan Independent Movement (SSIM), and now threatening the SPLM/A – (IO).” They said.
“noted with grave concern Dr. Riek Machar’s dismissal of the Chief of General Staff for his refusal to take up an Advisory Position to President Salva Kiir Mayardit,” they added.
The senior leaders shied away from concluding that Machar has surrendered to his rivals in Juba but reiterate that it is a weakness.
“alarmed and dismayed by the silence exhibited by Dr. Machar during the indefinite detention and Restriction of Movement by the IGAD Heads of State which is construed as a weakness of SPLM/A – (IO), and interpreted as a surrender.” The senior politicians underscored.
The disgruntled politicians said they are disappointed by the SPLM/A-IG’s refusal to fund the implementation of the R-ARCSS and further discouraged by SPLM/A-IO Pyramid Hotel leadership meetings that never resolve real issues affecting the armed opposition.
“Regret and decry the failure to stand up to SPLM/A–IG’s refusal to fund the implementation of the R- ARCSS stipulated provisions,” They said.
“discouraged and disappointed using the so-called SPLM/A – (IO) Pyramid Hotel Leadership meetings as a tactic to circumvent the official policy of taking decision as enshrined in the SPLM/A – (IO) documents.” They continued.
Ultimately, they endorsed the Kitgwang Declaration and pledged to work with Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual.
“We, the undersigned members of the SPLM – (IO), in our various capacities in the PB, NLC, Committees, Country Representatives, and SPLM – (IO) passionate cadres endorse the Kit-Gwang Declaration and give our blessings to the Interim leadership of Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual and his team to steer the Movement and chart a more democratic and people’s centered path,” they concluded.
Lastly, they called on all the opposition groups to unite and continue demanding for a lasting peace and stability.
“Notwithstanding all the above, we passionately appeal to all South Sudanese and, not least, the Opposition Groups, to stand united in demanding for a just and lasting peace that will bring prosperity for all.”
The document was signed by the following signatories and stakeholders.
