01/07/2026
CLARIFICATION: THE SPLM-IO REMAINS INTACT, IT HAS NOT CHANGED ITS NAME
The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) wishes to categorically inform its members, supporters, friends, and the general public that the SPLM-IO has not changed its name, identity, leadership, or constitutional mandate. The Movement remains the SPLM-IO under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The legitimate leadership and constitutional organs of the Movement remain intact. H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny remains the Chairperson of the SPLM-IO. Hon. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino continues to serve as the Acting Chairperson in accordance with the Movement's established leadership arrangements. Hon. Regina Joseph Kapa remains the Secretary-General. The Political Bureau, the National Liberation Council (NLC), and all other constitutional organs of the Movement continue to exist and remain functional.
The current security and political crisis has inevitably reduced the Movement's public activities on the ground. This should never be mistaken for institutional collapse or political extinction. The SPLM-IO deliberately exercises caution to safeguard the security of its members while continuing to communicate and organize through appropriate political and social media platforms. A movement is not measured by the noise it makes, but by the strength of its institutions and the resilience of its principles.
The recent registration of the In Opposition Party (IO Party) does not constitute a change of name of the SPLM-IO. They are separate and distinct political organizations. The SPLM-IO continues to exist under its historic name and political identity, together with its armed wing, the SPLA-IO, collectively known as the SPLM/A-IO.
It is the position of the SPLM-IO that the group led by Mr. Par Kuol, which had previously presented itself under the SPLM-IO name, has now formally assumed a different political identity through the registration of the In Opposition Party (IO Party). Consequently, that organization is no longer connected to, affiliated with, or authorized to represent the SPLM-IO in any capacity. Their registration removes any basis for public confusion regarding the identity of the legitimate SPLM-IO.
The SPLM-IO further maintains that the R-ARCSS remains the governing political and legal framework for the transition. As long as the Agreement remains in force, all its signatory parties, including the SPLM-IO, retain their legitimacy. The Agreement cannot cease to exist through unilateral political declarations; any termination or replacement requires the consent of the parties or the adoption of a new inclusive political settlement.
The SPLM-IO's position remains that the successful implementation of the R-ARCSS, including the completion of the agreed transitional tasks and the creation of conditions for free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections, must precede any genuine democratic transition. Political dialogue, the release of political detainees, and faithful implementation of the Agreement remain indispensable to achieving lasting peace and constitutional governance.
To all SPLM-IO members and supporters who may have unknowingly associated themselves with the newly registered IO Party under the mistaken belief that it remained part of the SPLM-IO, we respectfully encourage you to return to your legitimate political home. The SPLM-IO remains your Movement, your institution, and your constitutional platform. The registration of the IO Party has now made the distinction unmistakably clear.
The SPLM-IO remains united. Its leadership remains legitimate. Its constitutional organs remain operational. Its vision remains unchanged. Its commitment to peace, justice, democracy, constitutionalism, and the full implementation of the R-ARCSS remains unwavering.
No amount of political confusion can extinguish a movement founded upon the aspirations of its people. Names may change elsewhere, but the SPLM-IO remains the SPLM-IO.
Hon. Juol Nhomngek Daniel, MP
Head, SPLM-IO Cattle Camp News Desk
1 July 2026
