A faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) based in Juba says First Vice President Riek Machar could soon be replaced, citing legal proceedings and the 2018 peace agreement.
Following Machar’s detention in March, a breakaway SPLM-IO faction led by Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol declared an interim leadership and pledged cooperation with President Salva Kiir to implement the revitalized peace deal — a move strongly opposed by Machar loyalists led by SPLM-IO deputy chairman Oyet Nathaniel.
Federal Affairs Minister Lasuba Wango was named deputy chairman of the interim group, while Agok Machar, a former deputy finance minister, was appointed interim secretary-general.
Agok Makur, secretary-general of the SPLM-IO Interim Leadership, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that Machar is expected to be removed from his post following confirmation of charges against him by the justice minister at a press conference earlier in the day.
Under Article 1.7 of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, Machar serves as first vice president during the transitional period unless removed or replaced in accordance with the agreement or future constitutional provisions.
Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech confirmed that Machar and seven other opposition officials — including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol and Deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam — are linked to White Army militia attacks in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
They face a range of serious charges, including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, financing terrorism, treason, destruction of public and military property, and crimes against humanity.
Agok, who is also a lawyer, said Machar’s constitutional immunity as the country’s first vice president is expected to be lifted so he can appear before court, in line with South Sudanese law.
“Since there are charges facing the accused and there is a plan for transfer to court, immunity will be waived,” Agok said. “You cannot appear in court while holding the position of first vice president or minister. So, we expect Machar to be replaced soon.”
When asked if the interim SPLM-IO leadership would provide legal representation for Machar and the others, Agok said the matter was still under discussion.
“We cannot talk about that now because the justice minister has just announced the charges. We will sit, discuss, and then communicate our decision,” he said.
He added that Machar, like any accused person, has the right to hire a legal team. Those unable to afford a lawyer would be provided with legal aid through the Ministry of Justice, he added.
Agok welcomed the government’s decision to move forward with legal charges against Machar and other opposition figures.
“We have always demanded that the accused either be brought to court or released. If the government has confirmed charges and wants them to appear before court, then that is fine. It is a legal process,” he said. “The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
He emphasized that legal procedures would be followed and that the court, as an independent institution, would determine the outcome.
“The final decision lies with the court. The prosecution must prove a crime was committed, and the court will decide based on the evidence presented,” Agok said.