06/03/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South Sudan Opposition Acting Leader will Meet U.S. Officials Over Detention of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon,
Washington, D.C. — March 7, 2026
The Acting Chairman and Commander in Chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army–In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) and First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, will arrive in Washington, D.C. on Friday for a high-level diplomatic mission amid the continued detention of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny and the increasing political and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.
The visit comes at a time the tensions in the country depend. The problem continues to escalate following the illegal and unconstitutional election detention of Dr. Machar, who also serves as Chairman of the SPLM-IO. The detention of the First Vice President represents a serious violation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and has significantly undermined the fragile peace process in the country.
The arrival of Rt. Hon. Oyet marks the first visit by a senior leader of the main opposition to Washington since the detention of Dr. Machar and the escalation of the current political crisis. During his visit, Oyet is expected to meet with senior United States officials and international partners to advocate for the immediate release of Dr. Machar, the restoration and full implementation of the peace agreement, and urgent international attention to the protection of civilians.
In addition to official meetings in Washington, Rt. Hon. Oyet will travel to several U.S. states to engage with SPLM-IO diaspora members, South Sudanese community leaders, civil society organizations, and faith-based leaders. These meetings will focus on discussing the ongoing crisis and mobilizing support for peace, democratic governance, and humanitarian protection in South Sudan.
Dr. Isaac Gang, the SPLM-IO Representative in Washington, D.C., together with Hon. Thokhat Khor Wiu, Member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and Chairperson of the National Resource Mobilization Committee–Diaspora, and Hon. Nyanchiew John Gile L*l, welcomed the Acting Chairman’s visit and emphasized its importance at this critical moment.
The SPLM-IO leadership expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with U.S. policymakers and international stakeholders as the situation in South Sudan continues to deteriorate. The movement warned that the detention of the First Vice President and continued violence against civilians, particularly in Upper Nile and Jonglei statesrisk plunging the country deeper into instability and humanitarian catastrophe.
The delegation hopes the visit will help mobilize international support for the release of Dr. Machar, the protection of civilians, and the restoration of democratic governance in South Sudan.
Media Contact:
Office of Information
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–In Opposition (SPLM-IO) – USA
Miyong G. Kuon
Media Coordinator
402-671-3019
