FILE PHOTO: Deputy Minister of Justice Joseph Malek Arop - Credit: Courtesy

The Interim leadership of the United Sudan African Party (USAP) has issued a formal complaint against the Political Parties Council, alleging that the regulatory body is interfering in administrative matters that fall strictly within the party’s private jurisdiction.

Addressing journalists in Juba on Tuesday, USAP interim chairperson Joseph Malek claimed that the Political Parties Council acted outside its constitutional mandate by allegedly attempting to remove him from the party leadership.

Malek said the Council Chairperson, Eng. James Akol Zakayo, wrote to the party in January declaring him removed and replaced by Prof. Ajang Bior without consultation or investigation. He described the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

“On 26th January 2026, Hon. Eng. James Zakayo Akol, Chairperson of the Political Parties Council, abused his powers by illegally writing to the legitimate Chairperson of USAP, Hon. Joseph Malek, declaring him removed and replaced by Prof. Ajang Bior,” Malek stated.

“This unilateral action was taken without investigation, without consultation, and without constitutional authority. By declaring Prof. Ajang Bior as USAP Chairperson, the Political Parties Council has overstepped its constitutional limits and undermined the independence of political parties,” he cautioned.

According to Malek, the Political Parties Council is mandated only to register political parties, regulate compliance with the Political Parties Act, and ensure transparency in party participation and elections. He argued that the body has no authority to appoint or dismiss party leaders or interfere in internal leadership disputes.

Malek maintained that the USAP leadership under him remains legitimate and recognized since the party split with the late Joseph Ukel, who had declared opposition to the government. He added that the party has remained registered with the Political Parties Council since 2016 and renewed its registration in 2018.

The interim chairperson also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the implementation of the peace agreement and preparations for elections. He called on President Salva Kiir, who also chairs the SPLM, to intervene and restore constitutional order.

Malek further urged the Political Parties Council to respect its mandate and refrain from interfering in party leadership matters. Efforts by Eye Radio to reach the Political Parties Council for comment were unsuccessful.