Opposition in South Sudan Calls for Mobilization to Oust Salva Kiir

The opposition in South Sudan called Monday on its supporters to rally for a regime change, in response to plans to prosecute its leader, Riek Machar, on charges of treason and crimes against humanity.

In a statement on X, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) described the current government as “dictatorial and corrupt,” accusing it of sabotaging peace efforts and seizing state institutions illegally, affirming its determination to seek regime change.

The statement urged all movement supporters, members of both its political and military wings, and citizens of South Sudan to answer the call of duty in defense of the people and the nation, using all available means to restore the country and its sovereignty.

The announcement follows charges of murder, terrorism, and crimes against humanity filed against Machar last Thursday in connection with an attack on a military base that killed more than 250 soldiers.

The charges are linked to an attack carried out in March by an armed group known as the “White Army,” which the government claims was ordered by Machar, despite him being under house arrest since that month amid a power struggle with President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Machar’s detention under house arrest has raised international concerns about a potential resurgence of the devastating civil war that raged from 2013 to 2018 between forces of the Nuer tribe, to which Machar belongs, and fighters from the Dinka tribe loyal to President Kiir, leaving around 400,000 dead and 4 million displaced.

A peace agreement eventually ended the nearly seven-year conflict between Machar’s supporters and those of President Kiir.