In a statement issued on January 11, 2026, Oyet categorically denied stepping down from his position, insisting he remains “steadfast” in his role as Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief.
His remarks followed the circulation of a letter, dated the same day, purporting to announce his resignation and addressed to SPLM/A-IO leader and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
“It is with profound sorrow… that I write to formally tender my resignation,” the alleged letter reads, citing political uncertainties and concerns over the movement’s direction. Oyet, however, rejected the document’s authenticity, stressing that he has not relinquished any of his duties.
Addressing another document widely shared online — a brief handwritten note dated January 7, allegedly authored by Machar — Oyet said he could not confirm its authenticity.
The note reportedly instructed him to cease direct communication with SPLM/A-IO forces, assigning Lt. Gen. Peter Thok Chol Luak as the focal point for military communication, while directing Oyet to focus on political engagement with members of the Political Bureau in Juba.
Without directly accusing Machar or confirming internal tensions, Oyet underscored that the office of the Acting Chairman is constitutionally established under Articles 28 and 29.1.3 of the SPLM-IO Constitution (2015). He also reaffirmed the movement’s long-held position on the interdependence of politics and the military wing.
“In a revolutionary struggle, there is no politics without the military and no military without politics,” he said.
Framing the controversy within the broader struggle of the movement, Oyet called for unity and resolve, noting the sacrifices endured by South Sudanese, pledging to address the media soon. Oyet left Juba in April 2025 following a crackdown on opposition figures aligned with the SPLM-IO.
With his whereabouts unknown, Oyet, who was also the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, was stripped of his title.
