SPLM-IO warns Tumaini talks risk collapse without Machar’s release

JUBA – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/SPLA-IO) has cautioned that South Sudan’s latest peace effort under the Tumaini Initiative could falter unless longstanding violations, lack of accountability, and political exclusion are decisively addressed.

In a formal response to the Chief Facilitator of the Tumaini Initiative, Lt. Gen. Lazaro K. Sumbeiywo (Rtd), the movement’s Acting Chairman, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, welcomed the involvement of regional and international actors, including Kenya, IGAD, the African Union, and other partners. However, he warned that peace cannot be reduced to what he described as another rushed agreement without enforcement mechanisms.

“South Sudan does not suffer from a shortage of peace agreements,” the movement stated. “What has failed, repeatedly and openly, is the implementation of those agreements, and the silence that follows their violation.”

The SPLM/SPLA-IO argued that previous deals — including the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) and the 2018 Revitalised ARCSS — did not collapse because of weaknesses in their texts. Instead, it accused President Salva Kiir of failing to implement key provisions necessary for political transition, security reform, and national unity.

“Agreements were violated in broad daylight without consequences,” the letter said, describing what it called a culture of impunity that has emboldened spoilers and pushed the country closer to instability.

The movement also objected to the Tumaini Initiative framework for presenting President Kiir as a co-principal in the talks. It argued that such an arrangement undermines the credibility of the process.

“It is totally unacceptable for President Salva Kiir Mayardit — who is the subject of persistent violations and a failed transition — to appear as a guarantor and judge in his own case,” the statement read.

On participation in the Nairobi-based talks, the SPLM/SPLA-IO insisted that the unconditional release of Dr. Riek Machar Teny, First Vice President and Chairman of the movement, is non-negotiable. The group said Machar has not been a free citizen since 2016, citing years of exile, confinement, and restrictions on his movement.

“Peace talks cannot be meaningful while key signatories remain under detention,” the letter stressed, adding that Machar must be free to travel and engage fully in negotiations outside South Sudan.

The movement further maintained that any discussion on a cessation of hostilities must directly involve Machar, saying only the Chairman and Commander-in-Chief can order SPLA-IO forces to lay down arms.

Looking ahead, the SPLM/SPLA-IO urged IGAD, the AU, the UN, the EU, the Troika, and other international partners to apply firm political pressure and appoint dedicated envoys to oversee both negotiations and implementation.

“South Sudan should not be left to bleed and disintegrate under the watch of the regional and international community,” the letter concluded. “Peace will only be achieved when violations carry consequences and justice is no longer postponed.”