A senior South Sudanese official outlined the circumstances under which First Vice President Riek Machar could be dismissed from office, as the opposition leader remains under house arrest amid ongoing political and security tensions.
Machar, President Salva Kiir’s longtime rival and leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has been confined to his residence in the capital, Juba, since March 26. The government accuses him of involvement in violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile State — a claim his supporters dismiss as politically motivated.
Under South Sudanese law, detainees must appear in court within 24 hours of arrest, and pretrial detention cannot exceed six months without judicial approval. However, Machar has not been formally charged, raising concerns over due process.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj Monday, Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, a senior presidential adviser and Kiir ally, said Machar’s detention stems from a criminal investigation rather than political maneuvering. He stated that Machar would only be removed from office if evidence of wrongdoing is confirmed.
“He is under confinement on criminal suspicion until it is confirmed that he has been involved,” Manyang said. “If confirmed, then he can be relieved from office and stand trial. Until then, he remains the First Vice President. Yes, there is a possibility — only if he is found guilty.”
However, the presidential adviser did not say when the investigation would conclude.
Despite strains on the 2018 peace agreement, Manyang insisted the deal has not collapsed. “Implementation is continuing,” he said. “Those who are not under suspicion or charge are continuing in government roles.”
Manyang, who is also the chairman of the high-level ad hoc committee overseeing the 2018 peace agreement, said the government is working with Stephen Phar Kuol, the SPLM-IO’s interim chairperson, to uphold remaining provisions of the 2018 peace deal.
“Stephen Par is now the interim chairman of the SPLM-IO because he was not elected; he has not replaced Riek,” Manyang explained. “If Riek is cleared of charges and comes out, Stephen Par will hand over the office to Riek.”
When asked why Kiir recently dismissed key Machar allies if the Kiir administration remains committed to the power-sharing agreement, Manyang cited alleged insubordination.
“Those who have no charges are continuing with their positions in the government,” he said. “But those who were found to have been involved or those who are listening to directives from Oyet not to work with the government — these are the people who have been relieved.”
He was referring to Oyet Nathaniel, Machar’s exiled deputy.
Under the 2018 peace deal, Machar serves as first vice president under Article 1.7, which establishes the role for the transitional period unless the permanent constitution dictates otherwise.