23/12/2025
December 22nd, 2025
Press Statement
On Claims by Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi Regarding SSPM/SSOA Forces and the Involvement of Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny
The South Sudan Patriotic Movement (SSPM) has taken note of a press conference delivered by Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi in which he alleged that he has relinquished SSPM and SSOA forces under his command. This claim was subsequently echoed in a public statement by the Minister of ICT and Postal Services and Spokesperson of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny, who claimed to have received the said forces.
SSPM categorically refutes these assertions and issues the following clarification, grounded in facts and the provisions of the R-ARCSS:
1. Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi had never been the Commander-in-Chief, overall commander, or an authorized military leader of SSPM forces, nor has he exercised command over any forces under the SSOA alliance. In accordance with Chapter II of the R-ARCSS, the command and control of forces belonging to the Parties are exercised through recognized institutional structures and agreed security mechanisms, not through unilateral political declarations.
2. Mr. Hussein was formally dismissed from SSPM on 20 February 2025 by the Party Chairman, Hon. Dr. Costello Garang Ring Lual, and was subsequently disowned by SSOA. Following his dismissal, he ceased to have any political or military authority within SSPM or SSOA and therefore cannot lawfully claim control over their forces.
3. In line with Chapter II of the R-ARCSS, SSPM forces were cantoned, trained, screened, and unified as part of the National Unified Forces. The forces in training centers of Pantiit in Aweil and Masana Bira in Wau, from the ranks of Colonel down, are awaiting deployment in accordance with Phase One of Chapter II of the Agreement.SSPM therefore questions the basis of claims that any SSPM forces remain under the control of an individual for “relinquishment,” when such forces are already part of the national unification process and integrated into the SSPDF framework.
4. SSPM expresses serious concern regarding the involvement of Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny, the Minister of ICT and Postal Services and Spokesperson of the RTGoNU in SSOA affairs. The R-ARCSS is founded on the principles of inclusivity, collegiality, and mutual respect among the Parties. Publicly hosting, facilitating, or endorsing a breakaway faction by a government spokesperson risks undermining neutrality and eroding confidence among the Parties to the Agreement. In this regard, SSPM urges Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny to exercise professionalism, institutional restraint, and neutrality, and to refrain from interference in the affairs of other Parties to the R-ARCSS, in line with his responsibilities as a member and spokesperson of the R-TGoNU.
5. SSPM further notes that the receiving, verification, and integration of forces are mandates reserved for the security institutions established under the R-ARCSS, including the Joint Defence Board (JDB) and other relevant security mechanisms. No provision under the R-ARCSS confers such authority on a civilian Minister, rendering claims of “receiving forces” procedurally and legally untenable.
SPM reiterates that its forces have already been trained, unified, and vetted, and are ready for deployment upon the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief, in accordance with the R-ARCSS, together with the rest of the SSOA forces and those of other parties to the Agreement, through the established security mechanisms therein.
SSPM remains fully committed to the implementation of the R-ARCSS, particularly Chapter II on the Permanent Ceasefire and Security Arrangements, and calls upon all Parties and public office holders to uphold the spirit of collegiality and mutual respect as required by the R-ARCSS and to act in a manner that strengthens trust, unity, and the ongoing peace process.
Signed
David Lawrence Lual
Spokesperson, SSPM
