South Sudan opposition calls for mobilisation of forces for ‘regime change’
South Sudan opposition calls for mobilisation of forces for 'regime change'
South Sudan’s opposition called Monday for an armed mobilisation to carry out “regime change” in response to plans to put its leader on trial for treason and crimes against humanity.
A fragile power-sharing deal between President Salva Kiir and his long-time rival, Riek Machar, has been unravelling for months, threatening to return the young nation to a civil war that left 400,000 dead in the 2010s.
On Thursday, Machar was charged with murder, treason and crimes against humanity and stripped of his position as first vice-president in the unity government, having already spent months under house arrest.
He was accused of ordering an ethnic militia’s attack on a military base in March that the government said killed more than 250 soldiers.
Journalist abducted, beaten after publishing a story on county official
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital elevated to a Level C5 parastatal
Kenya does not need young leaders – Francis Atwoli
Babu Owino clarifies viral photo with President Ruto’s son
ODM sends Kasmuel McOure to Belgium
Machar’s faction denies the charges and says they are part of Kiir’s efforts to sideline the opposition and consolidate power.
“The current regime… is a setup of dictatorship, peace spoilers and state capture that is holding power illegally and by violence,” his party said in a statement, signed by acting chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino and shared on social media.
The party and its armed forces “shall work to effect in the Republic of South Sudan a regime change”, the statement said, calling on all supporters “to report for National Service in defence of the citizens and the country”.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but was quickly plunged into a devastating conflict between Kiir and Machar.
The five-year war ended with a peace deal in 2018 but attempts by the international community to ensure a democratic transition have failed.
Elections due to have taken place in December 2024 were again postponed to 2026 and the two sides have not merged their armed forces.
Zambian court jails two for targeting President Hichilema with sorcery
Governor Barasa asks Ruto to sack CS Oparanya
Natembeya fires at Gachagua over presidential candidate row
KDF announces October recruitment exercise (DETAILS)
UDA and ODM to receive a large share of the political parties fund
Follow us
