Opposition reports attacks, intimidation by security forces in Western Equatoria

YAMBIO – Opposition groups in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State have raised concerns about deteriorating security, citing attacks and intimidation by security forces linked to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO).

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by First Vice President Riek Machar, reported assaults, arrests, and arson attacks against its members, the party said on Friday. A separate political party also reported an attack on its leader.

Mary Abdullah, the SPLM-IO state secretary, told Sudans Post that the attacks began after the removal of Governor Alfred Futuyo, who was also the SPLM-IO state chairman. She said the attacks were ongoing.

“Our lives are in danger,” Abdullah said, calling for swift appointment of a new governor to protect party members.

“We at the state secretariat of the party already submitted the name of the nominee for the governorship, but we don’t know what is happening in Juba, why the governor is not appointed,” she said.

Western Equatoria’s governor, Alfred Futuyo, was removed by President Salva Kiir in February, and the position, allocated to the SPLM-IO under the peace agreement, remains vacant.

Abdullah said that despite appeals for calm from Deputy Governor Daniel Badagbu, attacks continued. She cited the burning of the house belonging to state lawmaker Luke Johnathan.

“We used to hear Deputy Governor talking about IO to resume the work as the situation is calm, yesterday (Thursday) he urged the people to stop burning houses, but our people are still experiencing tensions,” she said.

Residents of Yambio have reported gunfire and arson attacks, contributing to a climate of fear, Abdullah said.

Separately, Paul Luke Lustico, state chairman of the National Progress Party (NPP), reported an attack on his home on March 9.

Lustico said three unidentified assailants entered his home at gunpoint, looted his belongings, and set his house on fire.

“During the exchange of words with the perpetrators, I was warned and asked why I am associated with another political party and why I am communicating with people outside the country regarding South Sudan’s politics,” Lustico said. “They specifically demanded that I resign from the National Progress Party (NPP).”

Lustico said all his belongings, including phones and a computer, were destroyed in the fire. He called on the government and international community to ensure political space for all parties, particularly ahead of the 2026 elections.

“The National Progress Party is not a military movement; we are a peaceful political party that seeks the right to express ourselves freely, as guaranteed by the Constitution of South Sudan,” he said.