JUBA – South Sudan’s political landscape was shaken this week after former deputy army chief of operations and ex-ambassador to South Africa, General Wilson Deng, announced his rebellion against the government and the launch of a new political and military group called the “National Uprising Movement.”
In his founding statement, Deng accused the government of corruption and mismanagement, urging South Sudanese citizens to unite and press for the removal of the current leadership. He warned that failure to act could trigger a popular uprising.
The government in Juba has not issued an immediate response, though officials described the move as an attempt to destabilize national stability. Analysts say Deng’s defection could pose a serious challenge to President Salva Kiir, particularly if the new group attracts followers from the army or influential tribal factions.
The development comes amid worsening economic hardship and stalled implementation of the 2018 peace deal, which was meant to pave the way for elections and reconciliation.
