By staff writer
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) has confirmed the release of eight who were detained following the eruption of unrest in Nasir and Ulang Counties of Upper Nile State.
In a statement issued by Puok Both Baluang, acting press secretary in the office of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol has not been released.
These released according to the statement are:
- Nelson Malou Lueng Makeny
- Kun Tut Gatluak
- Peter Magong Degay
- Koang Puok Thoat
- Biluny Puok Thoat
- Buay Thichuong Buoy
- Yien Dak Kuach
- Bidit Hoth Guandong
SPLM-IO called for the immediate release of Puot Kang Chol, General Gabriel Doup Lam (Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, SSPDF), Mr. Camilo Gatmai Kel (former Officer Manager in the Office of the First Vice President), and the remaining twenty SPLM-IO detainees.
Meanwhile, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) acknowledged the release of some SPLM-IO members but expressed concern over the continued detention of Minister Puot Kang Chol.
CEPO, in a statement, views the releases as a positive step towards de-escalating political tensions between the SPLM-IO and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Government (SPLM-IG).
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting human rights during periods of political tension.
He criticized recent events, including the Nasir violence and leadership changes in Western Equatoria State, as demonstrations of “political immaturity and indiscipline.”
“The culture of abstaining from taking serious political responsibility for implementing the R-ARCSS is worse and likely will contribute highly to the collapse of R-ARCSS. R-ARCSS, per now, is at a risk stage between succeeding or collapsing. The presidency instrument is required to be proactive in mitigating any merger political misunderstanding among the peace partners on aspects of the implementation of the R-ARCSS,” he stressed.
“CEPO is urging the presidency to hold urgent meetings for repairing damages coursed on R-ARCSS following Nasir Violence,” he stated.