Head of SPLM-IO youth wing briefly detained during launch of Central Equatoria secretariat

JUBA – South Sudan security forces in the capital Juba on Saturday briefly detained the chairperson of youth wing of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) Jackson Wani along with some motorists.

This comes after the group led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny launched it general state secretariat for Central Equatoria State in which Machar’s deputy Nathaniel Oyet urged the government to open political space to enable political activities.

In a statement seen by Sudans Post, the SPLM-IO Director of Information and Public Relations Puok Both Baluang said the detention occurred at Thongping area of the capital Juba during the launch of the SPLM-IO State Secretariat for Central Equatoria State.

“Today, SPLM (IO) members – including Jackson Wani, Chair of SPLM (IO) National Youth League – and multiple Boda-Boda riders were detained by the National Security in Thongpiny, Juba,” he said in the statement via his twitter handle.

“This incident occurred during the launching of SPLM (IO) Central Equatoria State Secretariat,” he added.

Today, SPLM (IO) members -including @JacksonWani1, Chair of SPLM (IO) National Youth League – & multiple Boda Boda riders were detained by the National Security in Thongpiny, Juba.
This incident occurred during the launching of SPLM (IO) Central Equatoria State Secretariat.#SSOT pic.twitter.com/2W7mkiQntf

— Puok Both Baluang | فوك بوث بالوانق (@Puok_Baluang) October 1, 2022

Speaking to Sudans Post separately this morning, spokesman for late minister of water resources and irrigation Gattiek Gatkuoth Wichar who is also a senior member of the SPLM-IO Youth League said the arrest of the opposition youth wing’s leader amounts to intimidation.

“Security organs should stop intimidating and targeting the opposition members who have rights to exercise their constitutional rights in this country,” Gattiek said.

“Yesterday during the launch of the SPLM (IO) State Secretariat in Central Equatoria State the security operatives detained Comrade Jackson Wani, Chairperson of the SPLM (IO) National Youth League along with other (11) members of the SPLM (IO) Youth without any reason apart from the reality that they are members of the SPLM (IO) loyal to FVP Dr. Riek Machar Teny,” he added.

The opposition official condemned the arrest and said it is a violation of the transitional constitution which provide for freedom of speech and assembly.

“We condemn this in strongest terms possible because it violates the article 25 of the constitution of the Republic of South Sudan of 2011 as amended which guarantees the right to form and join any political party of your choice without any interference from others,” he said.