South Sudan minister resigns from SPLM-IO after Machar arrest

AWEIL – A South Sudan opposition minister in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has resigned from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), citing ongoing political tensions, a day after the arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar.

Garang Chan Atak, the state’s Minister of Agriculture, appointed under the 2018 revitalized peace agreement’s power-sharing arrangements, submitted his resignation on Thursday.

He stated he has not yet joined the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) or any other signatory to the peace agreement.

“In exercise of my constitutional and legal rights to belong to a political party of my choice and guided by law, I am hereby officially tendering in my resignation from being a member of the SPLM-IO party and as well as from the following positions,” Atak wrote, listing several roles within the opposition party’s state structure.

“Furthermore, I would like to enlighten the general public that I, together with those who resigned with me have not yet made a decision to join any party. However, the media houses are invited to come tomorrow for information regarding this resignation,” he added.

The resignation follows escalating tensions and recent clashes between the SPLM-IO and the SPLM, compounded by Machar’s arrest in Juba.

Critics suggest these events have influenced Atak’s decision, raising concerns about his safety. The prevailing political instability has reportedly created a climate of fear among politicians.