Rival factions of South Sudan’s United Sudan African Party (USAP) have made competing claims to the party’s leadership, with one faction saying a court ruling led to the reinstatement of Joseph Malek Arop as chairman, while the other insists the dispute remains before the courts.
Joseph Malek Arop told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the Political Parties Council (PPC) reinstated him as USAP’s registered chairman after the Central Equatoria Court of Appeal suspended an earlier PPC decision that had removed him from the party’s leadership.
Malek said he challenged the council’s decision because it lacked a legal basis, arguing that only a party convention—not the PPC—had the authority to remove an elected chairman.
“The Court of Appeal revoked the Political Parties Council’s decision, and the council reinstated me after receiving the court order,” he said. “I have always maintained that I am the legitimate chairman of USAP.”
Malek, who also serves as deputy minister of justice, said he has been the party’s registered chairman since 2018 and remains USAP’s recognised leader. He cited the party’s representation in national and state institutions, his role as a signatory to South Sudan’s peace roadmap and his membership of the high-level committee overseeing implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
He called on rival factions to resolve their differences through an inclusive party convention.
“I forgive those who left the party. Let us hold a convention and compete democratically for the leadership. If they win fairly, I will respect the outcome. If I win, they should also accept the results so that we can work together for the unity of the party,” he said.
However, Philip Jiben, a USAP member aligned with the rival faction led by Professor Bior Ajang, rejected Malek’s claims, saying he was dismissed from the party in 2018 for allegedly violating its constitution.
Jiben said Professor Bior Ajang became acting chairman in accordance with the party’s constitution following the death of former chairman Joseph Ukel.
“Joseph Malek is not the chairman of USAP. He was dismissed from the party, and we do not recognise his claim to the leadership,” Jiben said.
He also disputed Malek’s interpretation of the court proceedings, saying the Court of Appeal had issued only an interim order suspending implementation of the PPC decision while the substantive case remains pending.
“Our understanding is that the court did not declare Joseph Malek the legitimate chairman. The matter is still before the courts, and the final ruling will determine the rightful leadership of the party,” he said.
Jiben further alleged that Malek’s lawyer relied on the interim court order to secure changes to the party’s registration at the PPC, a move his faction considers premature because the case has not been concluded.
He urged USAP members across the country to remain patient and await the court’s final decision.
“We urge all our members to remain calm until the court delivers its final decision. We believe the legal process will determine the legitimate leadership of the party,” he said.
The dispute is the latest sign of internal divisions within South Sudan’s political parties as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for December 2026 under the 2018 peace agreement.
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