Machar Allies Dismissed Over Alleged Insubordination – Gen. Manyang

(JUBA) – A senior South Sudanese official has outlined the conditions under which First Vice President Riek Machar could be removed from office, amid ongoing political and security tensions in the country.

Machar, President Salva Kiir’s long time rival and leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has been under house arrest in Juba since 26 March. The government alleges his involvement in violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, a claim dismissed by his supporters as politically motivated.

Under South Sudanese law, detainees must appear in court within 24 hours of arrest, and pretrial detention cannot exceed six months without judicial approval. Machar, however, has not been formally charged, raising concerns about adherence to due process.

In an interview on Monday, Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, a senior presidential adviser and close ally of President Kiir, said Machar’s detention is part of a criminal investigation rather than a political move. He stated that Machar would only be removed if evidence of wrongdoing is confirmed.

“He is under confinement on criminal suspicion until it is confirmed that he has been involved. If confirmed, then he can be relieved from office and stand trial. Until then, he remains the First Vice President. Yes, there is a possibility only if he is found guilty,” Manyang said.

The presidential adviser did not provide a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion. Despite recent tensions, Manyang insisted that the 2018 peace agreement remains in effect. “Implementation is continuing. Those who are not under suspicion or charge are continuing in government roles,” he said.

Manyang, who also chairs the high level ad hoc committee overseeing the 2018 peace deal, said the government is working with Stephen Par Kuol, the SPLM-IO interim chairperson, to uphold the remaining provisions of the agreement.

“Stephen Par is now the interim chairman of the SPLM-IO because he was not elected. He has not replaced Riek. If Riek is cleared of charges and comes out, Stephen Par will hand over the office to Riek,” Manyang explained.

When asked why President Kiir recently dismissed key Machar allies if the administration is committed to the power sharing agreement, Manyang cited alleged insubordination.

“Those who have no charges are continuing with their positions. But those who were found to have been involved or who are taking directives from Oyet Nathaniel, Machar’s exiled deputy, not to work with the government. These are the people who have been relieved,” he said.

Under the 2018 peace agreement, Machar serves as First Vice President under Article 1.7, which establishes the role for the transitional period unless a permanent constitution dictates otherwise.

Machar Situation Overview