SPLM-IO Deputy Chairperson Oyet Nathaniel. (Photo: Courtesy).

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) of Dr Riek Machar has conditioned its support for President Salva Kiir’s ceasefire on the release of detainees, political dialogue, and independent mediation.

In a letter sent to the interim chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism (R-JMEC) on May 8, the opposition stated that the ceasefire announced by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Santino Deng Wol, should not be accepted without scrutiny.

The document, signed by Acting Chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, claimed that the conflict began in March 2025. The opposition alleged that the military conducted operations in Equatoria, Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, and Western Bahr el Ghazal which led to the displacement of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure.

The SPLM-IO stated that a solution to the conflict requires political dialogue rather than military action. The movement conditioned its recommitment to the permanent ceasefire on a formal agreement signed by both President Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar.

Additional requirements for a ceasefire include the release of Dr. Machar, Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, and other detainees, alongside the withdrawal of legal charges against members of the movement.

The opposition also called for the suspension of amendments to the peace agreement currently in the legislature and requested mediation in a location that provides neutrality.

The letter cited the necessity of adhering to the C5 Declaration from February 2026. The movement claimed that a ceasefire without mediation serves as a period for troop movements and preparation for offensives.

This statement followed the declaration by Gen. Santino Deng Wol to end hostilities upon his assumption of command.