 has strongly rejected allegations that it is an armed group responsible for violence, challenging political rivals to compete through policies, programmes and election manifestos rather than what it described as character attacks.){kind=link}
By Ginaba Lino
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has strongly rejected allegations that it is an armed group responsible for violence, challenging political rivals to compete through policies, programmes and election manifestos rather than what it described as character attacks.
The SPLM made the remarks on Monday, August 31, 2026, in Juba during a press briefing following statements by National Alliance of Political Parties Chairman Kornelio Kon Ngu, who reportedly described the SPLM as an armed group that kills people.
In a press statement read by SPLM Acting Secretary for Culture, Information and Communication Jimmy Atilio, the ruling party reaffirmed its position as a registered political party committed to democratic governance, political pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power through elections.
The SPLM said Ngu made the allegations on August 28 during a conference of the National Alliance of Political Parties.
The party also rejected claims surrounding the appearance of a former Agwelek senior general at the SPLM House, explaining that his presence was connected to the implementation of an agreement between the government and the Agwelek military and political wing.
According to the SPLM, the Agwelek political wing later dissolved its structures and joined the SPLM after the military wing was integrated into the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.
The party urged Ngu to focus on developing his own political agenda and convincing South Sudanese voters to support his party ahead of the December 2026 elections.
Atilio also dismissed suggestions that the SPLM is preparing for confrontation or violence and called on armed political groups to abandon violence and embrace dialogue.
“We are not for confrontation. We are not for violence. We want to give democracy to our people across the country.”
The SPLM said political parties should compete based on ideas, policies and programmes while allowing voters to determine their preferred leadership through the ballot.
The party further reaffirmed its readiness to participate in the December elections and said it would follow directives issued by the National Electoral Commission.
The SPLM identified President Salva Kiir Mayardit as its presidential candidate, saying he had been endorsed by the party for the upcoming election.
The party called on the media to accurately report political developments and reiterated that differences among political parties should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The SPLM maintained that the people of South Sudan should have the final say on who governs the country through a credible electoral process.