A Message from the Patriotic People Party (PPP)

Book Launch at Juba Na Bari (TongPing), 2018.

The Patriotic People Party (PPP) extends its heartfelt appreciation to the government of the Republic of South Sudan, under the steadfast leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, for the wisdom and restraint demonstrated in averting what many feared could have escalated into another devastating civil war. The recent unrest, spurred by elements of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) under the guise of the White Army—a militia drawn from the Greater Nuer community—posed a grave threat to our national security. Yet, President Kiir’s measured response has once again proven his commitment to preserving the fragile peace that our nation so desperately needs.

We mourn the profound losses suffered in this turmoil. To the brave commanders and soldiers of our armed forces who paid the ultimate price in defense of our sovereignty, we offer our deepest condolences. Their sacrifice in the face of aggression, particularly in the Upper Nile region, will not be forgotten. Equally, we stand in solidarity with the innocent civilians of Nasir County, caught in the crossfire between rebel forces and government troops. Reports of the White Army’s attack on a UN helicopter on March 7, 2025, which claimed the lives of General David Majur Dak and 27 others, underscore the tragic human cost of this violence. Our hearts ache for these families, and we share their grief.

We also extend our sympathies to the youth of the Nuer community, many of whom were misled by false narratives and mobilized to resist legitimate government efforts to restore order in Upper Nile. This manipulation of a generation—exploited by those with ulterior motives—represents a betrayal of their potential and a theft of their future. The PPP recognizes that the White Army, while rooted in the Nuer ethnic group, does not speak for the entirety of this proud community, many of whom yearn for peace and progress alongside their fellow South Sudanese.

The government’s handling of this crisis, amidst the fragile framework of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement, deserves commendation. President Kiir’s call for calm on March 7, following the Nasir attack, and his refusal to let the nation spiral back into the abyss of 2013, reflect a leadership attuned to the perils of division. The PPP acknowledges the complexity of this moment—where tensions between Kiir’s administration and Vice President Riek Machar’s SPLM-IO have flared anew, exacerbated by the latter’s alleged ties to the White Army, as claimed by Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth. Yet, the government’s resolve to maintain control and pursue stability stands as a testament to its dedication.

However, the PPP cannot ignore the broader context of South Sudan’s peace process. The Tumaini Initiative, launched in May 2024 under Kenyan mediation, sought to bring holdout groups into the fold but faltered by July when the SPLM-IO and others raised objections. The PPP, despite our unwavering commitment to unity and reconciliation, found ourselves sidelined in this process—a disappointment compounded by the dismissal of key parties. This exclusion overlooked our tireless efforts to bridge divides and foster a cohesive national identity.

Thus, we humbly urge President Kiir and his administration to recognize the Patriotic People Party as a vital partner in South Sudan’s journey toward lasting peace. We propose that the government extend an independent offer of consultation with the PPP, tapping into our grassroots insights and intellectual capital to advance the nation’s progress. Our exclusion from prior initiatives has not diminished our resolve; rather, it has strengthened our determination to contribute meaningfully.We stand ready to collaborate, offering solutions grounded in unity, equity, and a vision for a South Sudan free from the specter of war.

The PPP unequivocally supports the government’s endeavors to deliver peace to our people. Yet, we believe that true stability requires inclusivity—a seat at the table for voices like ours, which have labored in the shadows to heal our nation’s wounds. Let this moment of crisis be a turning point, not just for averting disaster, but for building a coalition of patriots dedicated to South Sudan’s renewal. We call upon the government to act decisively, extending a hand to the PPP, so that together we may forge a future worthy of those we have lost and those yet to come.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Biar Akol, Spokesperson of the PPP, at biarpandiarmichaelbiar@gmail.com or +254798506437 (WhatsApp).