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NDM raises alarm over SPLM-IG encroachment on power-sharing positions

Dr. Lam Akol, Chairman, National Democratic Movement (NDM). [Photo: Courtesy]JUBA – The National Democratic Movement (NDM), led by Dr Lam Akol, has accused the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG) of repeatedly violating the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) by unlawfully seizing positions allocated to the NDM under the power-sharing framework. In a statement issued on January 24, 2026, and signed by NDM spokesperson Kai Tap Gatchang, the party said its National Executive Committee, during its regular meeting No. 1.60, resolved to formally protest what it described as “continued encroachment” by the SPLM-IG into NDM’s legitimate political space within the transitional government and state administrations. The NDM cited a series of recent incidents, beginning with the January 23, 2026, removal of Mustafa Gai Lwal from his post as Commissioner of Panyikang County in Upper Nile State. According to the party, Lwal, an NDM nominee, was unilaterally replaced by a member of SPLM-IG without consultation or adherence to the peace agreement’s nomination procedures. The statement further recalled that on November 21, 2025, Hon. Marko Juong Magok Gatluak was removed as Commissioner of Mayiandit County in Unity State and replaced by another SPLM-IG affiliate. In another instance, the NDM said that on January 16, 2026, SPLM-IG appointed one of its members as Advisor on Gender, Child and Social Welfare — a position explicitly allocated to the NDM under the R-ARCSS. Additionally, the party accused the ruling group of grabbing the governorship of Jonglei State in February 2025, replacing an NDM-appointed governor with Hon. Dr Riek Gai Kok, a member of SPLM-IG. The NDM also complained that its proposed list of replacements for its allocated positions within the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) has not been implemented, despite being submitted more than 43 months ago. “These actions constitute a material breach of the R-ARCSS, which is the very source of legitimacy of the current Transitional Government,” the statement read. The party cited Articles 1.1.6 and 1.6 of the agreement, which define power-sharing ratios and nomination authority, and Article 1.9.1, which obliges parties to uphold trust and cooperation. The NDM warned that the pattern of unilateral appointments reflects an “intention to exclude” the party from meaningful participation in the peace process and governance structures. “We are not begging for favours,” the statement declared. “These are our legitimate rights under the Agreement, and we shall continue to claim them until those concerned publicly declare that the R-ARCSS no longer exists.” The accusations add to growing tensions among signatories to the 2018 peace agreement, as several opposition parties have increasingly complained of unilateral decisions by the SPLM-IG that they say undermine the fragile transitional arrangement.

admin Published: January 25, 2026 | Updated: January 25, 2026 3 minutes read

Dr. Lam Akol, Chairman, National Democratic Movement (NDM). [Photo: Courtesy]

JUBA – The National Democratic Movement (NDM), led by Dr Lam Akol, has accused the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG) of repeatedly violating the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) by unlawfully seizing positions allocated to the NDM under the power-sharing framework.

In a statement issued on January 24, 2026, and signed by NDM spokesperson Kai Tap Gatchang, the party said its National Executive Committee, during its regular meeting No. 1.60, resolved to formally protest what it described as “continued encroachment” by the SPLM-IG into NDM’s legitimate political space within the transitional government and state administrations.

The NDM cited a series of recent incidents, beginning with the January 23, 2026, removal of Mustafa Gai Lwal from his post as Commissioner of Panyikang County in Upper Nile State. According to the party, Lwal, an NDM nominee, was unilaterally replaced by a member of SPLM-IG without consultation or adherence to the peace agreement’s nomination procedures.

The statement further recalled that on November 21, 2025, Hon. Marko Juong Magok Gatluak was removed as Commissioner of Mayiandit County in Unity State and replaced by another SPLM-IG affiliate. In another instance, the NDM said that on January 16, 2026, SPLM-IG appointed one of its members as Advisor on Gender, Child and Social Welfare — a position explicitly allocated to the NDM under the R-ARCSS.

Additionally, the party accused the ruling group of grabbing the governorship of Jonglei State in February 2025, replacing an NDM-appointed governor with Hon. Dr Riek Gai Kok, a member of SPLM-IG.

The NDM also complained that its proposed list of replacements for its allocated positions within the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) has not been implemented, despite being submitted more than 43 months ago.

“These actions constitute a material breach of the R-ARCSS, which is the very source of legitimacy of the current Transitional Government,” the statement read. The party cited Articles 1.1.6 and 1.6 of the agreement, which define power-sharing ratios and nomination authority, and Article 1.9.1, which obliges parties to uphold trust and cooperation.

The NDM warned that the pattern of unilateral appointments reflects an “intention to exclude” the party from meaningful participation in the peace process and governance structures.

“We are not begging for favours,” the statement declared. “These are our legitimate rights under the Agreement, and we shall continue to claim them until those concerned publicly declare that the R-ARCSS no longer exists.”

The accusations add to growing tensions among signatories to the 2018 peace agreement, as several opposition parties have increasingly complained of unilateral decisions by the SPLM-IG that they say undermine the fragile transitional arrangement.