Machar’s SPLM-IO splits as Oyet and Regina trade rival suspensions

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) has been plunged into a fresh leadership crisis after its Interim Chairperson, Oyet Nathaniel, and Interim Secretary General, Regina Joseph, issued rival suspension orders against each other.

In a statement dated August 31 and seen by Eye Radio today, Oyet Nathaniel announced the immediate suspension of Regina Joseph Kaba from her position as Interim Secretary General.

Oyet also suspended seven other senior officials, including members of the Political Bureau and the movement’s diplomatic representatives.

Those suspended are Gabriel Gabriel Deng, Chairperson of the National Committee for Peace and Reconciliation; Pal Mai Deng, Chairperson of the National Committee for Information; Matata Frank Elikana, Chairperson of the National Committee for Governance Affairs; and Paul Baba Ezbon, Chairperson of the National Committee for Transport Systems.

Others are Reath Much Tang, Deputy Chairperson of the National Committee for Foreign Affairs; Ambassador James Oryem, SPLM/SPLA-IO Representative to Kenya; and Ambassador Jordan Manpiny, SPLM/SPLA-IO Representative to Ethiopia.

However, Regina Joseph Kaba has rejected the suspension, describing it as unconstitutional and non-binding.

In a separate statement issued on August 31, Kaba argued that Oyet Nathaniel is only the Deputy Chairman and is serving in an acting capacity as Chairman of the SPLM/SPLA-IO.

She maintains that Oyet does not have the authority to suspend or remove members of the Political Bureau or other senior officials without the consent or approval of the Political Bureau.

Kaba further claims that the Political Bureau convened on August 27 and resolved to strip the Deputy Chairman of the powers to unilaterally suspend, dismiss, or appoint officials, citing Article 23 of the SPLM-IO Constitution.

The statement accuses Oyet of taking unilateral decisions that allegedly contributed to deaths, divisions, and friction within the movement.

But the dispute escalated further when Kaba, in a separate order issued on the same date, announced the indefinite suspension of Oyet Nathaniel from his positions as Deputy and Acting Chairman of the SPLM/A-IO.

The order, which Kaba says was issued on behalf of the Political Bureau, accuses Oyet of gross misconduct, violating the movement’s basic documents, refusing to work collegially with political and military leaders, defying Political Bureau orders, and making unilateral decisions that allegedly resulted in deaths, division, and friction within the movement.

Kaba also ordered all political, administrative, military, financial, and organizational structures of the SPLM/A-IO not to recognize or implement any directive, appointment, dismissal, order, or decision issued by Oyet in his capacity as Deputy and Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief.

The order further directs all organs and members of the movement to uphold what it describes as the authority of the Political Bureau and to report to Kaba in her new role as Interim Deputy Chairperson.

It also instructs civil and military structures, as well as SPLM-IO chapters abroad, to follow the reporting chain through Kaba and refrain from establishing or recognizing parallel structures.

The rival orders have effectively created a leadership standoff within the SPLM-IO, with both sides claiming constitutional authority and rejecting the legitimacy of the other’s decisions.

The competing statements could not immediately be independently verified, and it remains unclear which faction will command the movement’s political, military, and administrative structures following the rival suspensions.