Machar’s SPLA-IO denies involvement in alleged Ruweng torture

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, SPLA-IO, led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has denied claims that one of its senior officers ordered soldiers to torture a man eventually chopping off his arms.

This comes after Ruweng director of information Miakol Makuach said the man identified as Atem Mayiik Manyil was arrested and tortured in Agarak area over a disappeared cell phone three weeks ago.

Bridger General Alek Yai Guen who is said to be the commander of SPLA/IO in Agarak, reportedly ordered Major-General Monykoang Miakol to arrest Atem, claiming he took a phone to make calls but he did not return it.

Major Monykoang then reportedly arrested the 19-year-old man and detained him in a container, torturing him overnight where he lost his arms.

Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel, the SPLA-IO deputy spokesman and press secretary termed the claims as baseless saying the main armed opposition group which is a national organization should not be reduced to criminal acts as this one.

“This is a wild, negative and baseless accusation against the SPLA-IO. The SPLA-IO is a national movement that cannot be reduced to such criminal acts,” Colonel Lam Paul said from the capital Juba.

“Secondly the accusation shows complete lack of military chain of command; how can a Brig. Gen directs a Maj. Gen who is more senior than a Brigadier?” the senior opposition media official asked.

“The Ruweng Administration Area’s Information Director Miakol Makuach should find the right criminal and avoid tarnishing the image of the SPLA-IO to advance his political ambitions,” he concluded.