The embattled chairman of the United Sudan African Party (USAP), Joseph Malek Arop, on Tuesday accused the Political Parties Council (PPC) and senior government officials, including the justice minister, of interfering in his party’s internal affairs and attempting to remove him from office unlawfully.
Speaking at a press conference at the party headquarters in Juba, Malek said the PPC chairperson, James Akol Zakayo, acted beyond his constitutional mandate by recognising Professor Ajang Bior as the new party leader without due process.
“By declaring Professor Ajang as USAP chairperson, the PPC has overstepped its constitutional limits and undermined the independence of political parties,” Malek said.
He alleged that senior officials, including Justice Minister Michael Makuei Lueth and Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk, were involved in efforts to unseat him.
“Their involvement based on community ties has compromised neutrality and fairness,” he said.
Malek, who is also the Deputy Minister of Justice, argued that the PPC has no authority to appoint or dismiss party leaders, saying its role is limited to registering and regulating political parties under the Political Parties Act.
He said the dispute stems from internal divisions within USAP dating back to 2018, when one faction led by the late Joseph Ukel Abango joined the opposition, while another remained aligned with the government in Juba.
Malek said his faction, USAP National Agenda, has remained legally registered since 2016 and renewed its registration in 2018.
“We have representation at the national level, in parliament, the Council of States, and in all states and administrative areas,” he said.
He added that the matter was already before court, claiming the judiciary had suspended the PPC’s decision pending further hearings.
“The decision by Akol has already been revoked by the court, and we are waiting for further hearings,” he said.
Malek said USAP continues to hold positions in the transitional government, parliament, and state institutions.
He also weighed in on debates over amendments to the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, warning against unilateral changes without broad consultation.
“We are not against amendment, but some provisions require public consultation and consensus among all parties,” he said.
He specifically cited Articles 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4 of the agreement, saying changes to them could “cause big damage to South Sudan” if not handled inclusively.
Malek urged the government to open political space ahead of elections and called on President Salva Kiir to intervene to ensure the PPC respects its mandate.
Repeated calls to PPC Chairman James Akol Zakayo were not answered.
The Political Parties Council (PPC) in South Sudan is a statutory body established under the Political Parties Act to regulate and oversee the operations of political parties in the country.
Its core mandate includes the registration and deregistration of political parties, maintaining a register of parties, and ensuring that parties comply with the law and their own constitutions.
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