Hon. Gabriel Changson Chang, former Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology and leader of the People's Resistance Front (PRF) - Photo Credit: PPU

Gabriel Changson Chang has resigned as chairman of the Federal Democratic Party (FDP) to launch a new opposition group called the People’s Resistance Front (PRF), according to statements from both organizations.

The FDP leadership released a statement on May 22 confirming they accepted Changson’s resignation from both his position as chairman and from general party membership. First Deputy Chairman Cirillo Thon Riing has now taken over leadership of the party.

The move happened just before a meeting on South Sudan began in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The peace talks, hosted by former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on behalf of the African Union, brought together opposition groups that did not sign the country’s peace agreement.

In their statement, the FDP leadership addressed the departure directly.

“The Federal Democratic FDP hereby informs its members, supporters, peace partners, and general public that Hon Gabriel Changson Chang has formally resigned from the Chairmanship and membership of the FDP before his name appeared in Tanzania’s meeting of the AU’s Envoy, H.E Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete with South Sudanese opposition groups who are not signitories to revitalized Peace agreement,” the statement stated.

The party clarified that Changson no longer represents them in any way. They also stated that the FDP remains committed to the peace agreement and will stay within the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) led by Josephine Lago Yanga.

At the talks in Tanzania, delegates identified Changson as the head of the new PRF party. The PRF issued its own statement confirming its presence at the meetings and rejected any claims that Changson still leads the FDP.

This political split follows internal problems within the FDP that started in 2024 when the party’s secretary-general, Changkuoth Bichiok Reth, lost his seat in parliament. At the time, a group supporting Changkuoth claimed they had removed Changson from party leadership. Later, in 2025, President Salva Kiir removed Changson from his post as Minister of Higher Education, replacing him with Madut Yel Biar.

In a statement on Friday, the PRF stated that the current peace agreement will not bring stability without reforms and accountability.

“On way forward, the PRF chairman called for restructured and inclusive peace process that prioritize the voices of marhganizlized groups. civil society, and grassroots communities,” the statement stated.

Changson stated that the country needs a framework that ensures security reforms, justice, changes to government institutions, and a path toward elections. The PRF concluded its statement by saying it is ready to talk with all sides to find peace and unity for South Sudan.