Coalition of South Sudan Opposition Movements (CSSOM)
Press Release
CSSOM Statement on President Kiir’s New Appointments and the Ongoing Consolidation of Power
For Immediate Release
October 7, 2025 | Juba
The Coalition of South Sudan Opposition Movements (CSSOM) notes with grave concern the recent presidential decrees announced on October 6, 2025, appointing Gen. James Koang Chuol as Deputy Minister of Defense and Major Gen. Valentino Baak Makuei as Commander of the Presidential Guard Division (Tiger Division).
These latest changes follow a familiar pattern of unilateral appointments and dismissals that further undermine the spirit and letter of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. The repeated restructuring of key security and defense institutions without consultation or consensus exposes the government’s continued drive to centralize power in the presidency, at the expense of the agreed power-sharing principles.
Erosion of the Peace Framework
The Deputy Minister of Defense position was initially allocated to the main opposition group, SPLM-IO, as part of the peace accord’s security arrangements. President Kiir’s decision to fill this role with a member of his own party, the SPLM, constitutes a breach of both trust and commitment to genuine power sharing.
CSSOM views these actions as deliberate efforts to weaken mechanisms of political inclusivity and transform the transitional government into a one-party administration.
Militarization and Loyalty over Reform
By rotating senior military officers and reassigning loyalists to the Tiger Division, the President continues to entrench personal control over the national army rather than advancing security sector reforms. This approach undermines professionalism within the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and perpetuates fear and division within the ranks.
A professional national army must serve the Republic of South Sudan, not a single party or leader. Constant changes in command for the sake of political loyalty weaken institutional integrity and stall peace implementation.
Undermining Democratic Governance
The dismissal of veteran minister Deng Alor Kuol and his replacement without transparent consultation illustrates a broader pattern of sidelining independent and reform-minded figures. These moves erode public confidence and isolate peace agreement co-signatories and stakeholders from meaningful participation in governance.
CSSOM reiterates that sustainable peace cannot be built through decrees or political patronage. It requires dialogue, inclusion, and respect for established transitional arrangements.
Call for Accountability and Genuine Dialogue
CSSOM urges the regional guarantors of the Revitalized Peace Agreement — IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations — to take note of these concerning trends and exert diplomatic pressure on the Juba regime to recommit to inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
We also call on South Sudanese citizens, civil society organizations, and democratic movements to remain steadfast in demanding governance reforms and to reject all attempts to legitimize authoritarian consolidation under the guise of peace.
Conclusion
The Coalition of South Sudan Opposition Movements reaffirms its unwavering commitment to democratic transformation, respect for human rights, and the establishment of a professional, unified national army under civilian authority.
South Sudan deserves institutions built on law and legitimacy — not decrees and fear.
Issued by:
Coalition of South Sudan Opposition Movements (CSSOM)
Email: contact@cssom.org
Website: www.cssom.org