(JUBA) – A new alliance of South Sudanese armed and political opposition movements has been formally established under the name Coalition for South Sudan Opposition Movements (CSSOM).
The coalition, made up of over 20 organisations, aims to challenge the SPLM led government in Juba, which they accuse of failing the peace process and holding the country hostage through what they describe as a “genocidal regime.”
The coalition’s founding agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed on 1 July 2025 and outlines the structure, objectives, and values of the CSSOM. According to the signatories, the alliance will coordinate both political and military strategies and operate under a central leadership.
CSSOM Member Movements and Their Leaders
| No. | Movement Name | Leader/Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USSRM/A – United South Sudan Revolutionary Movement/Army | Gen. Chuol Gakoy Yien |
| 2 | SSLNM – South Sudan National Liberation Movement | Gen. Hoth Gark Luak |
| 3 | UPS/F – Union Party of South Sudan/Forces | Dr. Dhoal Lanjin |
| 4 | A2M – Anya-Nya 2 Movement | Hon. John Jack Deang |
| 5 | SSFDA – South Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance | Gen. Samuel Mut Gai Jr. |
| 6 | PRM – People Resistance Movement | Hon. David Tut Kuoi |
| 7 | SSVM/A – South Sudan Vision Movement/Army | Dr. William Pay Tuoy |
| 8 | SSDU – South Sudan Democratic Union | Gen. Bhan Toang Guok |
| 9 | SSDA/F – South Sudan Democratic Alliance/Forces | Gen. Biel Turkei Tenhliang |
| 10 | SSUF/A – South Sudan United Front/Army | Gen. Dickson Gatluak Jock |
| 11 | UDRM/K – United Democratic Revolutionary Movement | Prof. Deng Gany Nyang |
| 12 | SSOCP – South Sudan Opposition Coalition Party | Gen. William Deng Gach |
| 13 | RNIF – Rol-Naath Independence Front | Gen. Nimen Hiek Nguth |
| 14 | NUM/A – National Unity Movement/Army | Gen. Chuol Deng Thon |
| 15 | SSDF – South Sudan Defence Forces | Gen. Gony Chuol Muthiang |
| 16 | SUNUM – South Sudan National Unity Movement | Gen. George Nyang Bawar |
| 17 | DRAP – Democratic Republic Alliance Party | Gen. Simon Yul Ruai |
| 18 | SSRM – South Sudan Revolutionary Movement | Gen. Joseph Ruot Nyang (Deputy Chair) |
| 19 | UNLM – Upper Nile Liberation Movement | Gen. Muntu Abdalla |
| 20 | SSUM – South Sudan United Movement | Mr. Kun Dong Khor |
The signatories accused the government of delaying peace implementation, abusing power, and creating ethnic divisions. They also said that the time had come to unite and bring about a new democratic South Sudan, based on federal governance and self-determination.
The MoU also outlines the internal structure of the CSSOM leadership. The coalition will have a leadership council made up of representatives from each group, with regular weekly meetings to evaluate progress and approve actions.
CSSOM Leadership Structure and Roles
| Position | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Chairperson & Commander-in-Chief | Overall leadership and military command |
| Deputy Chairperson | Supports and stands in for Chairperson |
| Secretary General | Administrative coordination |
| Chief of Staff & Deputies | Military strategy and operations |
| Secretary of Military Affairs | Security and combat readiness |
| Secretary of External Affairs | Foreign relations and diplomacy |
| Secretary of Finance and Resource Mobilisation | Funding, logistics, and budget |
| Secretary of Information | Media, public statements, and messaging |
| Secretary for Political Mobilisation & Public Awareness | Community engagement and mobilisation |
| Secretary for Civil Administration & Public Safety | Local governance and safety |
| Secretary for Humanitarian & Disaster Management | Emergency and aid coordination |
| Secretary of Legal Affairs | Legal advisory and compliance |
| Secretary of Natural Resources Management | Oversight of natural assets |
| Secretary for Child, Gender & Youth Affairs | Social protection programmes |
| Secretary of Health and Education | Human development sectors |
The agreement requires that all engagements with the Juba government—political, diplomatic, or resource related—must be approved by the coalition leadership. Any unauthorised contact or negotiation by individual member groups will be considered a violation of the MoU and may lead to sanctions.
The coalition also expressed interest in building partnerships with international and regional organisations to strengthen their strategy and increase global visibility. Leaders reiterated that their ultimate aim is to achieve a peaceful and democratic transformation of South Sudan.
While the coalition emphasised political unity, it left open the possibility of military action, stating that all options remain on the table to protect civilians and enforce political change. The MoU clearly states that each group must refrain from internal hostility and work in coordination with others to avoid fragmentation.
The CSSOM marks one of the most extensive attempts in recent years to unite South Sudanese opposition forces under one framework.
