A dispute has emerged within South Sudan’s Umbrella of Political Parties, with its leadership rejecting statements by chairperson Peter Mayen Majongdit and saying he no longer represents the group.
The umbrella, a member of the Other Political Parties (OPP) coalition and a signatory to the 2018 peace agreement, said most of its member parties had disowned Majongdit.
Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Tuesday, First Deputy Chairperson Biamatali Wani Lo-Lipo said remarks attributed to Majongdit did not reflect the coalition’s position.
“The Umbrella of Political Parties categorically states that Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro has not interfered in the internal affairs of the OPP. Any claims by Majongdit suggesting otherwise are misleading and unfounded,” Lo-Lipo said.
He added that nine out of 10 member parties had withdrawn their support for Majongdit over alleged misconduct and violations of the group’s code of conduct.
“Mr. Peter Mayen Majongdit no longer represents the Umbrella of Political Parties,” the statement said.
The leadership also accused Majongdit of undermining institutional structures during his tenure by centralising decision-making and acting inconsistently with principles of collective leadership and accountability.
It urged the public to disregard any statements issued by him, saying they were personal and not reflective of the umbrella or the OPP coalition.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the 2018 revitalised peace agreement and said it would continue engaging stakeholders to promote stability and national unity.
Mayen Jeremiah Turic, identified as the current chairperson by the faction, said the dispute followed what he described as “reckless statements” by Majongdit after his removal from the position.
Turic said Majongdit had falsely accused Cabinet minister Martin Elia Lomuro of interfering in the coalition’s internal affairs.
He added that Majongdit had also been removed from his government post as minister of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, and said the public was aware he was no longer chairperson of the umbrella.
But Majongdit rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.
He said he remained chairperson, arguing that any leadership change could only be effected through a national convention, which he said had not been held.
“These are unfounded allegations meant to cause instability. The Umbrella has not conducted a national convention, so I remain the chairperson,” Majongdit told Radio Tamazuj.
He also denied claims that nine member parties had agreed to his removal and said the dispute was being driven by individuals seeking to disrupt upcoming elections.