The interim chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), Stephen Par Kuol, recently suspended 33 senior party officials, including Amer Ateny Alier who chairs party in Jonglei State and is speaker of the state parliament, a move the latter rubbished as null and void.
In a press statement copied to the self-exiled Acting SPLM-IO Chairperson Oyet Nathaniel Pierino and shared with Radio Tamazuj, the embattled Ateny said Par lacks legitimacy to represent or act for SPLM-IO and that his 20 May suspension order is rejected.
“On 7 May 2025, Amb. Hon. Stephen Par Kuol was suspended from the SPLM-IO Political Bureau, National Liberation Council, RJMEC, and SPLM-IO membership by the legitimate acting chairman and deputy chairman of SPLM-IO, Rt. Hon. Gen. Oyet Nathaniel, for being a turncoat,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Michael Bol Gatdor, the state party secretary-general, echoed Ateny’s statement, describing Par Kuol as an axed party member who is awaiting investigation. He said the state party leadership recognizes and throws support behind Ateny and detained party leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
He revealed that Ateny who also serves as the speaker of Jonglei State Legislative Assembly will continue discharging her duties.
“According to our constitution, a state party chairperson is not removed by one person; there was supposed to be a national convention, and concern is raised and then supported by a two-thirds majority,” he explained. “We are part of the government, and our chair and speaker will continue collaborating with the state government.”
Bol reiterated the call for Machar’s release and urged dialogue to foster peace.
“We urge our partner in the government and all other peace partners to dialogue and that Machar be released from house arrest,” he said. “Our people are suffering, and we do not want this to continue.”