As South Sudan navigates a delicate transitional period, the need for stabilizing leadership, political maturity, and national unity has never been greater. The recent Nasir incident, which saw the White Army overrun a government military garrison, followed by the house arrest of SPLM-IO Chairman Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, presents a serious test to the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

In the midst of this political uncertainty, the nomination of Hon. Stephen Par Kuol as the Interim Chair of SPLM-IO emerges as a timely and strategic decision. His endorsement by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit would not only stabilize the party’s internal structures, but also reaffirm South Sudan’s commitment to peace, the rule of law, and the integrity of the R-ARCSS.

Upholding Legal and Political Continuity

Article 1.7.5 of the R-ARCSS clearly states:
 “In the event that post of the First Vice President falls vacant during the Transitional Period, for any reason, including mental infirmity or phsyical incapacity of the office holder, the replacement shall be nominated by the top leadership body of the SPLM/A-IO …………”
 
 Given the absence of Dr. Machar due to his house arrest, it is both legal and prudent for SPLM-IO to nominate an interim leader. Hon. Stephen Par Kuol—a seasoned diplomat, former Minister of Peacebuilding, and respected SPLM-IO member—is best suited to fill that vacuum. His leadership ensures the movement’s effective participation in governance and protects the party from political fragmentation.

Reinforcing the Peace Agreement and Preventing Armed Mobilization

The resurgence of armed youth militias, particularly the White Army, is alarming and risks reigniting ethnic tensions. The R-ARCSS explicitly prohibits the use of militias, as outlined in Article 2.1.10.3:
 “….refrain from .. recruitment and/or use of child soldier by armed forces or malitia in contravention of international conventions.” And Article 2.1.10.7.2 states that parties adhere to “cessation of all hostile military actions as defined in the CoHA of 2017.”
 
 Hon. Par Kuol’s interim leadership would provide the moral and political authority needed to discourage violence, engage affected communities, and promote peace education. His endorsement would show that South Sudanese leaders prioritize dialogue over bloodshed.

Ensuring Effective Implementation of R-ARCSS

The SPLM-IO plays a vital role in the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU). Its participation is essential to the reforms envisioned by R-ARCSS, including power-sharing, justice, security sector transformation, and elections preparation.
 
 Article 1.7.5 confirms that the First Vice President must be nominated by SPLM-IO. Hon. Par Kuol’s current appointment as Acting First Vice President is legally sound. However, it must be reinforced through formal endorsement as Interim Chair to uphold internal coherence and fulfill SPLM-IO’s constitutional mandate under the agreement.

A Peaceful Path to Dr. Machar’s Release

Rather than inflaming tensions or encouraging retaliation, the appointment of an interim leader creates a credible platform for peaceful legal and diplomatic engagement.
 
 With Hon. Par Kuol at the helm, SPLM-IO can legally and diplomatically engage IGAD, the AU, and other stakeholders to advocate for Dr. Machar’s release, preserving his dignity while protecting the party’s operational capacity.

Shielding the Country from Political Saboteurs

An ungoverned SPLM-IO is vulnerable to external manipulation and splintering factions. These factions, often operating from outside the country, threaten the peace by undermining national leadership and inciting insecurity.
 
 By endorsing Hon. Stephen Par Kuol—a respected, home-based leader—President Kiir would reaffirm the sovereignty and internal unity of the peace process while denying legitimacy to foreign-based spoilers.

A Presidential Duty to Peace and Stability

H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit has consistently shown statesmanship in moments of national crisis. Endorsing Hon. Stephen Par Kuol as Interim Chair of SPLM-IO is both a legal duty and a political necessity. It would:
 – Reaffirm the government’s commitment to the R-ARCSS, 
 – Ensure continuity in the peace implementation process, 
 – Deter armed youth from engaging in violence, 
 – Enable peaceful advocacy for Dr. Machar’s case, and 
 – Undermine destabilizing actors operating outside the peace framework.

Final Word: Peace Above Politics

This moment calls for unity above division, peace above politics, and action above hesitation. By endorsing Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, President Kiir would not only preserve the peace agreement but also affirm to the people of South Sudan and the world that our nation is capable of self-governance, lawful transition, and enduring peace.
 
 Let us rise above crisis with wisdom—and walk together toward a future where dialogue, law, and leadership prevail.