Opinion| The Palm Africa Hotel Gang!!

Stephen Par Kuol, the interim SPLM-IO chairman, being endorsed by some members of the party after the arrest of Dr. Riek Machar. (Courtesy photo)

Throughout history, the stories of honorable heroes-the true makers of a brighter future-have been marked by thorny challenges and difficult trials. These tests reveal the strength of character among those who stand as beacons of hope amid the darkness of brutal dictatorships, fighting courageously for dignity and a better tomorrow.

The honorable people of my country have never strayed from this noble path. Since the 1950s, when we first took up arms against tyranny, we have remained steadfast in our fight for freedom and justice.

Today, we face yet another oppressive regime-that of Salva Kiir-which has turned our nation into not only an abyss but also a vast prison and sprawling cemetery in its attempt to impose a new tyranny. This reality stands in stark contrast to our people’s aspirations for liberty and dignity. Tragically, some, such as journalist Santino Riak, have aligned themselves with this regime, lending it a false legitimacy.

The greatest tragedy for Santino Riak is his self-appointed role as a defender of deceit, hypocrisy, betrayal, and the kangaroo courts that have plagued our nation. He now speaks in the name of the SPLM-IO faction centered at the Palm Africa Hotel, led by Stephen Par Kuol, who is being groomed by Dr. Riek Machar’s enemies to replace him as First Vice President. It is shameful to see those who claim to defend Dr. Riek Machar by day, only to conspire with his persecutors by night. These are the true enemies, those whose deceit poses the greatest danger to Dr. Machar and his detained comrades.

Certainly, Commander Oyet Nathaniel Pierino is capable of defending both himself and the SPLM-IO leadership at this critical juncture. What we must confront, however, are Santino Riak’s attempts to trade away the already collapsed peace agreement in the name of the National Salvation Front (NAS).

Seven years after the failure of the revitalized peace agreement, history has vindicated the NAS, which refused to sign a deal built on deception. The current situation, supported by opportunists within the SPLM-IO’s Palm Africa Hotel faction, proves the wisdom of that decision.

Attacking the NAS and its leadership will not solve the regime’s crisis of legitimacy or its failure to implement the peace agreement in both letter and spirit. Santino Riak knows this truth well, yet he has chosen to side with the tribal regime through his recent article, “Oyet Nathaniel’s False War Endangers SPLM/A-IO and Dr. Riek Machar Teny.”

This misleading piece seeks to distort facts and undermine the revolutionary steps of SPLM-IO’s leadership abroad. It should be seen for what it is — a proxy attack waged by the Palm Africa Hotel gangs, led by Stephen Par Kuol, the regime’s loyal puppet. For this group, persecuting Dr. Riek Machar and his colleagues is essential to maintaining their grip on power. The regime has weaponized this persecution to weaken and fragment the SPLM-IO from within.

Santino Riak’s article is crafted with tactical intent — feigning solidarity with Dr. Machar to deceive the people, while concealing the regime’s true schemes. Nonetheless, our people cannot be fooled. They know the peace agreement collapsed long ago under the weight of conspiracy and tribal manipulation — orchestrated by the regime and its collaborators hiding behind politicized courts.

The actions of Commander Oyet Nathaniel, Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM-IO, reflect his genuine commitment to his conscience, his people, and the movement’s vision. The masses of the SPLM-IO yearn for the day when the real architects of oppression will face justice, not when innocent citizens are paraded before courts for vengeful display.

Meanwhile, Stephen Par Kuol, manipulated by the regime and tempted by ambitions of high office, serves as their willing tool, aided by propagandists like Santino Riak and the so-called “Palm Africa Hotel hunters.”

Let me be clear: The National Salvation Front has endured because of its unwavering revolutionary principles. Malicious claims made by defeated opportunists cannot erase their record of consistent struggle and ideological clarity.

It is absurd for a regime-aligned journalist to accuse the NAS and its inspirational leader, Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka, of resurgence, when in truth it is the regime itself that trembles at their name. If Santino Riak were a genuine journalist, he would acknowledge what the enemies of our people fear most, the steadfastness and moral authority of the National Salvation Front.

Commander Oyet Nathaniel’s revolutionary steps are both justified and necessary. It is precisely this truth that provoked Santino Riak’s attacks on the SPLM-IO’s military coordination and leadership abroad.

In conclusion, the sole mission of the Palm Africa Hotel gangs, led by Stephen Par Kuol, is to break the will of Dr. Riek Machar and his detained comrades. Their campaign of slander, accusations, and collaboration with the regime exposes their true allegiance. Santino Riak, the former editor-in-chief of The Independent Daily, has sadly devoted himself to this mercenary cause — trading integrity for personal gain, and truth for tyranny.

The writer is a journalist and can be contacted via Jojonasoke@gmail.com.

The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.