Juba, South Sudan – 7 December 2025

In a move that’s already being called historic, the National Parties Alliance (NPA)—a prominent coalition of non-signatory opposition parties in South Sudan—held a Leadership Council meeting on 5 December 2025 that saw Hon. Joseph Makuer Nyieth unanimously chosen as National Chairman and Gen. Phillip Stephen Dak Onwar as Deputy Chairman. This shift signals the start of a fresh era for the NPA, coming after the exit of former Chairperson Moulana Nyanthon Deng Rou, who recently left with a group of her supporters to join SPLM-IO Kitgwang under Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual.

Insiders from the NPA have described the transition as “peaceful, constitutional, and proof of the Alliance’s political maturity,” with observers praising how transparent and inclusive the process was. Apparently, delegates from every party within the Alliance joined in the discussions, really highlighting the group’s ability to weather internal changes—a trademark of South Sudan’s often shifting political scene.

A Seamless, Lawful Transition

After being elected, Chairman Hon. Joseph Makuer Nyieth focused on continuity and unity in his remarks: “The National Parties Alliance stands for more than just any one of us. Today, we’ve shown that our institutions are strong and our commitment to the South Sudanese people’s shared hopes is unshakeable. I’m truly honored by the trust you’ve placed in me, and I promise to lead with integrity and a focus on inclusiveness and lasting peace.”

Gen. Phillip Stephen Dak Onwar, widely respected both militarily and politically across the opposition, shared similar thoughts: “We’re not starting from scratch here. The groundwork laid by our predecessors is solid. As Deputy Chairman, my job is to support the Chairman’s vision and make sure the NPA continues as a strong voice for real peace and democracy.”

What Prompted the Leadership Shift

Moulana Nyanthon Deng Rou’s departure is just the latest in a series of shifts among South Sudan’s opposition movements. While her choice to join the Kitgwang group took some by surprise, NPA leaders have stressed that the change doesn’t weaken the Alliance or steer it off course. “NPA has always been a voluntary coalition joined by principle, not pressure,” said one member of the NPA Leadership Council, asking not to be named. “Those who move on do so with our respect and best wishes. What remains is a core of leaders and parties who are dead set on pursuing peace through dialogue and negotiation.”

The NPA’s Ongoing Vision: Peace for All of South Sudan

Since its creation, the National Parties Alliance has carved out a central role among the Holdout Opposition groups—those that initially stayed out of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) but later participated in the peace process. The Alliance has consistently stood for:

• Fully inclusive implementation of the R-ARCSS
• Reform and unification of the security sector
• A constitutional process that reflects everyone’s aspirations
• Accountability and transitional justice mechanisms
• Free, fair, and timely elections

With new leadership now in place, there’s an expectation that these key areas will be pushed with fresh energy. Chairman Nyieth is known for being calm under pressure and for his skill at building bridges—qualities that could be especially helpful in bringing opposition groups together and keeping lines open with the transitional government.

Next Steps: Consolidating and Reaching Out

Over the next several weeks, the NPA Secretariat has outlined plans for widespread consultations—talks with grassroots networks, youth and women’s wings, and diaspora branches—to shore up support and lay out a clear path forward for the rest of the transitional period. Already, regional and international partners who’ve worked with the NPA through the Rome peace process for non-signatory groups have sent their congratulations and voiced willingness to stay engaged with the new leadership.

With South Sudan coming up on major milestones—the extension of the transitional period, and preparations for future elections—alliances like the NPA are more essential than ever. The Alliance’s ability to move through this leadership change and emerge even stronger sends a loud message: political groups based on principle can weather the loss of any individual and come back even more determined.

As the NPA Secretariat put it in their official statement on 6 December 2025: “The National Parties Alliance stands unshakably committed to achieving peace, justice, and prosperity in every part of our beloved country. We invite all South Sudanese—regardless of political stripes—to come together to build a nation where nobody is left behind.”

With Hon. Joseph Makuer Nyieth leading and Gen. Phillip Stephen Dak Onwar by his side, the National Parties Alliance isn’t just moving on—it’s kicking off a whole new phase in its fight for a peaceful, democratic, and unified South Sudan.

Long live the National Parties Alliance! Long live the people of South Sudan!

Issued by the NPA National Secretariat
Juba, Republic of South Sudan
7 December 2025

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