Commissioner Stephen Taker urges sons and daughters of Leer to stop killing each other over Oyet–Regina leadership dispute
The caretaker Commissioner of Leer County in Unity State, Hon. Stephen Taker Riak, has urged the sons and daughters of Leer to stop killing each other over the leadership dispute between rival SPLM-IO factions loyal to Nathaniel Oyet and Regina Joseph Kaba.
Commissioner Taker described the power struggle as not worth losing lives over and called on the rival groups to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than armed confrontation.
He made the remarks on Sunday after joining worshippers at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Leer County to celebrate the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
In his message to the congregation, Hon. Taker reminded residents that they belong to one community and should remain united despite their political differences.
His appeal comes amid renewed clashes between rival SPLM-IO forces in Leer County, where supporters of Oyet and Regina have been involved in armed confrontations.
On October 14, fighting was reported in Rupkong and Bow payams, with rival military officials giving conflicting accounts of casualties.
The clashes were linked to the leadership dispute within the opposition movement following the detention of its leader, Dr. Riek Machar, in March 2025.
More recently, at least five soldiers were reportedly killed and nine others injured in clashes between the rival factions in Adok Payam on October 30.
The two sides blamed each other for initiating the fighting.
The leadership dispute intensified after Regina Joseph Kaba was appointed acting chairperson of the SPLM-IO in August 2026.
The move splits the movement between her supporters and those loyal to Oyet, who had been serving as acting leader following Machar’s detention. Both factions have since contested the leadership of the movement.
The fighting has also disrupted civilian activities.
In early November, examinations for about 2,000 pupils in 23 primary schools in Leer County were postponed until November 9 because of insecurity linked to the factional clashes.
Commissioner Taker’s appeal comes amid growing concerns about the impact of the internal power struggle on security, community relations and access to essential services in the county.
