![Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, the Minister of Public Service and Human Resources Development, attend a swearing-in ceremony in Juba on Wednesday, 21/01/2026. [Photo: Courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/617369646_1951339338827449_4968945460623033464_n.webp?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
Gatkuoth, a critic of Machar, reportedly made remarks threatening that Machar would “die in jail” unless he were not in Juba.
The statement was published on 19 June 2026 by Sudans Post, an independent online newspaper.
Gattiek Wichar, the SPLM-IO National Youth League Chairperson for Information and Communication, urged President Kiir to take immediate action and ensure that Gatkuoth is held accountable for making such threats against Machar.
“Action from H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit to discipline Hon. Gatkuoth. A minister who publicly threatens the first vice president could easily turn against the president and, as such, has no contribution in a government of national unity,” Wichar said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Saturday.
He also called on IGAD, the African Union, UNMISS, RJMEC, and all guarantors of the 2018 peace agreement to take note of what he described as “open incitement,” saying it violates both the letter and spirit of the accord.
“An immediate and public retraction and apology from Hon. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth to H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, the SPLM-IO, and the people of South Sudan,” he said.
“We will not be silenced by threats. The detention of our chairman will not end the struggle for justice, democracy, and lasting peace in South Sudan.”
Wichar, an exiled youth leader, condemned the remark, describing it as dangerous and capable of undermining peace and political stability in the country.
“The SPLM (IO) National Youth League is outraged and condemns in the strongest terms the inflammatory and threatening remarks made by Hon. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Minister of Public Service and Human Resource Development, in which he stated, ‘Dr. Riek Machar will die in jail unless I am not in that Juba,'” Wichar said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Saturday.
Wichar described the statement as “reckless, provocative, and dangerous,” saying it amounts to a direct threat against the life of Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the party’s chairman.
“We should build a state where guilt and sentencing are determined by courts of law, not by ministers at political rallies. Hon. Gatkuoth’s declaration is nothing but a prejudgment that undermines the principle of presumption of innocence and the independence of the judiciary.”
He said Gatkuoth’s remarks come while Dr. Machar is under detention and facing what he called a “politically driven trial.”
“Such utterances are intended to incite, intimidate, and derail the fragile peace process at a time when the country cannot afford further escalation,” he said.
He said this is not the first time Gatkuoth has made controversial statements against SPLM leader Machar, adding that since his 2016 defection from the SPLM-IO, he has remained antagonistic toward the movement and its leadership.
