23/05/2026
Restoring Peace or Restoring Positions: The Case of Political Groups in the Diaspora.
By Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth
May 23, 2026
I have come to realize that the main driving force behind many of these self-proclaimed opposition leaders in the diaspora is not the restoration of peace, but the restoration of their lost positions and privileges.
Most of these individuals have little or no political support on the ground. Many of the so-called opposition groups are merely organizations of leaders without followers, movements without structures, and voices without constituencies.
Take the example of Pagan Amum Okiech and Oyay Deng Ajak. Politically, they lost influence long ago. In the Chollo Kingdom, leadership and influence shifted toward
His Majesty Reth Kwongo Dak Padiet King of the Chollo People and General Johnson Olony Thabo, the Commander of Agwelek Forces who are allies of H.E. President Kiir. Even during the 2010 General Elections, many of these figures or SPLM Candidates in the Choĺlo Kingdom suffered clear political defeats, demonstrating their limited support among the people.
General Paul Malong Awan Anei also faces a difficult political reality. In Aweil, Northern Bar El Ghazal State there was no significant popular uprising behind his movement. Today, he remains a retired General living in Nairobi, and it is important for him to accept the political realities on the ground.
Others, including Stephen Buay Rolnyang and similar groups, continue to move from one political platform to another in search of relevance. However, the hard truth remains that they lack meaningful military presence or genuine grassroots support inside the country.
Figures such as Gabriel Changson Changson and Nhial Deng Nhial plus others appear more motivated by dissatisfaction over losing government positions than by a genuine national agenda. Their political activities often reflect personal grievances rather than broad-based public demands.
As for many of the groups under the so-called The People's Coalation for Civil Action (PCCA) umbrella, they largely consist of activists operating abroad with little influence within South Sudan itself. Their rhetoric may attract attention online, but it does not translate into substantial realities on the ground. They are are raising funds to survive.
The only groups that deserve serious political and security attention are the SPLA-IO Diaspora who are encouraging communities to fight, which continues to challenge government stability in certain areas like Akobo County, and the forces of Thomas Cirillo Swaka, whose activities continue to create insecurity in some parts of the country eventhough they are limited. These are issues that the government must continue addressing through both political dialogue and security measures.
My appeal to H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, Former President of Tanzania and African Union Envoy, is to remain focused on consolidating peace within the Republic of South Sudan rather than being distracted by political noise from individuals and groups in Diaspora with little support inside the country.
H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan is still having 90% of Bar El Ghazal Region support, 80% of the support of Equatoria Region and 70% of the support of Upper Nile Region.
Peacebuilding should not become a platform for reviving politically defeated figures or deadwoods who no longer command meaningful public confidence. The priority must remain the stability of the Republic of South Sudan, the strengthening of institutions, and the interests of the people on the ground.
