Machar’s group refutes claims Olony under arrest from NSS agents in Khartoum

KHARTOUM – South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, SPLM-IO, led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, has refuted social media rumors that the group’s nominee for Upper Nile state governor, General Johnson Olony, has been arrested by National Security Service (NSS) operatives in Khartoum.

Earlier today, social media users circulated a piece of information that the opposition commander has been arrested by South Sudan security operatives following his visit to Khartoum over the weekend, and was awaiting deportation to Juba.

Speaking to Sudans Post this evening, Kalany Mamuon, the SPLM-IO director of social media said the reports were unfounded, and were meant to cause fears among the SPLM-IO membership saying the opposition commander is in his residence in Khartoum.

“It has come to our attention that some social media users have propagated that General Olony has been arrested,” Kalany said.

“We would like to make it categorically clear that, there is nothing as such. There is only a wishful thinking from peace spoilers who wish General Johnson Olony evil thing,” he added.

The opposition official further warned members to be vigilant and watch out against what he said are fake news.

“Our members are asked to be vigilant so that they do not succumb into fake news meant to cause fear among the SPLM-IO membership,” he further said.

Olony was nominated by the Machar-led SPLM-IO for governorship of oil-rich Upper Nile state in June.

However, President Salva Kiir refused to appoint him, saying the opposition commander is a warmonger who, he claims, would only complicate reconciliation efforts between the already divided Upper Nile state community.

Olony has made it clear that he will not travel to Juba unless he is first appointed as governor.