South Sudan opposition leader denies Pagan Amum influence in alliance split

JUBA – South Sudan opposition leader General Stephen Buay Rolnyang rejected accusations that Pagan Amum, head of a separate opposition alliance, is unduly influencing his coalition, the South Sudan United National Alliance (SSUNA).

The United Democratic Revolutionary Movement (UDRM), previously a member of SSUNA, withdrew on June 5, alleging Amum’s influence over SSUNA’s leadership. Deng Vanang, UDRM leader, accused Amum of dissatisfaction with the number of Nuer-led opposition groups in the talks.

Buay denied the claims in an interview with Sudans Post on Thursday. He stated that UDRM attempted separate negotiations with the government, disregarding their commitment to SSUNA.

“We requested the inclusion of other SSUNA parties in the Tumaini peace initiative,” Buay said. “The UDRM, led by Deng Vanang, decided to negotiate independently, focusing on potential positions even before reaching an agreement.”

Buay also addressed the withdrawal of Peter Chuol Gatluak, who initially represented General Henry Oyai’s Upper Nile People’s Liberation Front (UNPLF). He alleged Gatluak replaced UNPLF with his own Nilotia People’s Movement.

“They wrote withdrawal letters from SSUNA hoping to participate independently,” Buay said. “They have lost their status as SSUNA members and require a separate invitation for the Tumaini initiative.”

Buay emphasized that UDRM’s exit wasn’t influenced by Amum and stressed procedures for the peace process. He questioned their complaints after their own withdrawal.

“UDRM was previously dismissed from another opposition alliance for similar leadership ambitions,” Buay added. “Their withdrawal letters are public. Why complain now?”

Buay concluded by highlighting the Tumaini initiative’s inclusivity with established procedures. He pointed out that other qualified groups haven’t complained despite not receiving invitations.

“We were officially invited by the South Sudan government to participate in the Tumaini initiative,” Buay said. “We accepted, seeking a lasting solution to our country’s conflicts.”