By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, December 28 2025 - A former senior South Sudanese military commander has announced the formation of a new political and military movement aimed at removing President Salva Kiir’s government, adding fresh uncertainty to the country’s already fragile political landscape.
In a declaration dated 28 December 2025 and circulated in Juba, General Wilson Deng Kuoirot, once the deputy chief of staff for operations in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and later ambassador to South Africa, said he had launched the National Uprising Movement (NUM) to “rescue the nation from collapse”.
The statement paints a bleak picture of life in South Sudan, accusing the government of presiding over economic ruin, worsening insecurity and prolonged political paralysis. Gen Kuoirot argues that the transitional administration formed under the 2018 peace agreement lost its legitimacy when its mandate expired in 2022, and has since failed to deliver reforms or elections.
Declaring the end of what he termed the country’s “First Republic” since independence in 2011, the general called for the dissolution of the current government and its replacement with an interim civilian-led administration. He proposed that technocrats take charge for up to two years to stabilise the economy, restore security and organise credible national elections.
“The state has abdicated its responsibility to protect citizens,” the declaration claims, alleging that authorities have fuelled intercommunal violence by allowing weapons to flow to rival groups. It further accuses the government of losing its exclusive control over armed force, a core function of any sovereign state.
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The movement is appealing to members of the security forces and other armed groups to join a newly announced National Uprising Army. While the declaration initially calls on President Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar to step down peacefully, it warns that continued refusal would leave no option but armed resistance. Both leaders are offered immunity should they agree to exit and allow a democratic transition.
The scale of support for the movement remains unclear. Independent verification of Gen Kuoirot’s location and backing has not been possible, and there was no immediate response from the government in Juba.
However, analysts note that his announcement, following recent political defections from figures long associated with the ruling establishment, highlights growing frustration within South Sudan’s traditional power structures.
More than a decade after independence, South Sudan continues to struggle with insecurity, economic hardship and a deepening humanitarian crisis, despite repeated peace agreements intended to end years of conflict.
