Eng. Joseph Malwal Dong, Chair of the SPLM-IO’s Foreign Relations Committee, says the party remains committed to peace despite the prolonged detention of its leader, Dr. Riek Machar, in Juba.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, Malwal, also the SPLM-IO Political Bureau’s designated focal point in Juba, said the opposition’s calls for dialogue and Machar’s release have gone unanswered by President Salva Kiir. He expressed doubts about holding elections in December 2026 unless key tasks under the 2018 peace deal are implemented. Malwal also criticized regional leaders and agreement guarantors for failing to intervene.
Below are the edited excerpts:
Q: Eng. Joseph Malwal, on 29 July, the SPLM-IO Political Bureau issued a statement reiterating its call for the peace process and release of Dr. Riek Machar. Has this call been received by President Kiir? And what are the next steps based on this demand?
A: That call was made through a press statement issued by the SPLM-IO Political Bureau in Juba on 29 July. It’s a demand we’ve consistently raised because our leader was arrested without charges, there’s no legal basis for his detention. We continue to appeal for his unconditional release since he has committed no crime.
His release is critical to giving clear direction for the peace process. As one of the main parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, we remain committed to dialogue and implementation so this country can move forward. We’ve already agreed on a roadmap toward elections, and at this critical juncture, we didn’t expect the SPLM-IG or anyone else to disrupt the process by arresting the principal peace partner.
We initially thought this might have been a mistake. If so, they should correct it by releasing him so we can continue implementing the peace agreement. That’s our position, and we’ll keep pushing for it.
Q: Has President Kiir received your press statement?
A: Yes, he has received it. But so far, there has been no response from him.
Q: It has been four months since your leader’s arrest. What is the SPLM-IO’s path forward?
A: Well, as a main signatory to the 2018 peace agreement, we’ve consistently urged both the government and the agreement’s guarantors to secure Machar’s release. There’s little more we can do unilaterally—implementation isn’t solely our responsibility. It requires cooperation from our partner, the SPLM-IG, as well as the international community and guarantors like IGAD.
The way forward depends on them. We’ve done our part by remaining engaged despite these challenges, but the outcome is now in the hands of the government and those who guaranteed this agreement.
Q: After Machar’s arrest, the peace process appears stalled. From the SPLM-IO’s perspective, is the agreement still alive?
A: At this stage, we believe it’s still alive, though it’s struggling. The agreement is still breathing because we’re still here in Juba, the government continues to allocate funds, and our ministers and lawmakers remain in their positions.
However, we’ve noticed attempts to sideline our officials, with some positions being filled by government loyalists. Fortunately, that has stopped for now. No new appointments have been made recently.
We firmly believe dialogue is the only way to resolve these issues. That’s why we’ve sought a direct meeting with President Kiir, to hear from him personally about where things stand, rather than relying on intermediaries.
Q: What is the current condition of SPLM-IO detainees, including Machar? Are you able to communicate with or visit them?
A: No, there are no visits permitted to Machar, and we have no direct communication with him or other detainees. Any updates we receive are filtered through security channels, where we’re simply told they’re “okay”—but we have no way to verify their well-being.
This is particularly concerning for Machar, who suffers from diabetes and hypertension. He needs regular medical attention, which he’s being denied. It’s unprecedented for a sitting first vice president to be treated this way. Only in South Sudan, under Salva Kiir’s government, would such disrespect toward a colleague and former running mate occur. We continue to demand his release on humanitarian and political grounds.
Q: What diplomatic and political measures is the SPLM-IO taking to advance peace? Many observers doubt elections can be held in 2026 under these conditions.
A: Diplomatically, we’re limited because we can’t act alone, the international community and agreement guarantors must also step up. For credible elections to take place in December 2026, full implementation of the peace deal is essential, particularly the constitutional review process. Right now, nothing is moving forward.
Unless the pending tasks are urgently addressed, there will be no legitimate elections, only a sham process orchestrated by the government. Foreign diplomats in Juba recognize this; they’ve repeatedly raised concerns about implementation delays.
Q: How strong is the SPLM-IO’s presence in government since Machar’s arrest? How many ministers or lawmakers have left the country or abandoned the party?
A: Many of our members continue working discreetly, so we can’t provide exact numbers. However, our parliamentary caucus remains largely intact, only three committee chairs have defected. The Political Bureau still has 18 of its 28 members in the country.
While some members are abroad, the majority of SPLM-IO supporters and Machar loyalists remain steadfast. In government, our presence is still significant, and in parliament, our bloc remains strong despite attempts to weaken it.
Q: If Machar isn’t released soon, will the SPLM-IO nominate another first vice president?
A: Absolutely not. There’s no justification for replacing Machar. He is our leader and the legitimate first vice president under the peace agreement. We’re focused solely on securing his release, not entertaining alternatives.
Q: There have been calls for the SPLM-IO to reconcile with breakaway factions, such as Stephen Par’s group. Are you open to dialogue with them?
A: Well, unity is always desirable, but they’re the ones who left us, only four individuals defected. If they wish to return, they’re welcome, but we don’t see the need for formal dialogue. The path back is straightforward: they can rejoin without preconditions.
Q: Some argue the peace agreement needs revitalization after multiple extensions. What’s the SPLM-IO’s stance?
A: The SPLM-IG never intended to fully implement the agreement, that’s why we’ve seen endless extensions. Critical issues, like security arrangements, remain unresolved. Our forces are still being attacked, and integration into a unified army hasn’t progressed.
The problem isn’t the agreement itself but the lack of political will from Kiir’s government. They’ve openly stated they signed the deal without intending to honor it. Meanwhile, our people continue suffering due to their obstruction.
Q: If Machar were released today, how would the SPLM-IO resume peace implementation given the current challenges?
A: Peace requires two willing parties. If released, Machar would immediately engage Kiir to resume dialogue. Only through direct talks can we address outstanding issues, halt violence, and prepare for elections.
The ongoing military campaigns against our forces only deepen suffering and harden resentment, they solve nothing. Machar, as the opposition leader, is essential to any lasting solution. Kiir missed opportunities like Independence Day and Martyrs’ Day to meet with him, a gesture that could have reignited the peace process.
Q: Who can break the current deadlock in the peace process in South Sudan?
A: The agreement’s guarantors—IGAD and others—must intervene. They brokered this deal and should enforce it. Unfortunately, African nations today are preoccupied with their own crises, leaving South Sudan’s peace in limbo.
If the guarantors admit failure, we’ll need to explore other options. But for now, we still look to them to uphold their responsibilities. But it seems the parties and the guarantors have stuck with the implementation of the agreement.
Q: What is your final message to the people of South Sudan and your peace partners?
A: To the government: Resume dialogue with the SPLM-IO immediately. Release Machar unconditionally. Our people have suffered enough, peace cannot wait.
To the international community: Hold all parties accountable. Without pressure, the SPLM-IG will continue obstructing peace.
To South Sudanese citizens: Remain hopeful. We’re committed to a peaceful resolution, but justice and dialogue must prevail. Machar’s release is the first step, he’s the only one who can ensure his forces lay down arms. Without him, this conflict will persist.