The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/SPLA-IO) has welcomed the outcomes of the African Union High-Level Ad-Hoc Committee (C5+) summit on South Sudan, while reiterating that the country’s peace agreement has effectively collapsed following recent political developments.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, the movement expressed appreciation to the African Union, the C5 member states, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for convening an extraordinary summit on South Sudan held on February 15 on the margins of the AU Assembly in Addis Ababa.
The SPLM-IO opposition group said it had taken note of the summit declaration, which recommended a ceasefire, the release of political detainees including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, the appointment of a high-level envoy to oversee peace implementation, unification of forces under transitional security arrangements, and inclusive dialogue to break the political deadlock.
However, the SPLM/SPLA-IO argued that the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) “does not exist,” claiming implementation of the 2018 peace agreement stalled due to what it described as systematic violations by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The statement cited the arrest of Dr. Riek Machar and other political figures, alleged attacks on cantonment and training centers, and unilateral removal of opposition officials from government positions as key factors behind the collapse.
The movement further blamed a lack of accountability by regional and international guarantors for violations of both the 2015 and 2018 peace agreements, saying this contributed to repeated failures in peace implementation in South Sudan.
Despite the accusations, SPLM/SPLA-IO emphasized there is no military solution to the conflict and reaffirmed its commitment to a mediated, inclusive, and credible political dialogue aimed at addressing the root causes of instability and achieving a sustainable transition.
The statement concluded by urging stakeholders to support renewed diplomatic efforts to restore the peace process and stabilize the country.
