![SPLA-IO deputy spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel speaks to media about the progress and challenges facing the transitional security arrangement in Juba on October 2, 2019. [Photo by Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/gettyimages-1173073967-612x612-1.jpg?ssl=1)
In a statement extended to Sudans Post, SPLA-IO spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel said the group views the governor’s planned visit as “aggressive” and accused government forces of previously using civilian aircraft to transport weapons and troops into opposition-held territories.
“The SPLA-IO learned with concern the aggressive planned visit of Governor Riak Gai Kok of Jonglei State to Akobo. Much as the SPLA-IO respects and wants peace, it will never tolerate any intentional aggression,” he said.
“The SPLA-IO would therefore like to make it categorically clear that no SPLM-IG leadership is permitted to step foot in any area controlled by the SPLA-IO. This includes Governor Riak Gai Kok,” he added.
The SPLA-IO controls much of Greater Akobo County, a stronghold of the movement, and Governor Riek Gai is himself originally from Akobo. Lam said the SPLA-IO will not allow any aircraft to land in its territory if transporting SPLM-IG officials or military equipment.
“To airlines in Juba, be warned,” he said, accusing some companies of violating humanitarian protocols. “Any plane that brings in any member of SPLM-IG or weapons must be detained, including all those on board, for further investigation.”
Lam also cautioned the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), saying it should not transport government officials into opposition-controlled areas.
“The SPLM-IG cannot continue to bombard civilians in SPLA-IO areas and expect to be welcomed peacefully,” he added.
The SPLA-IO’s Acting Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Peter Thok Chuolluak, has directed opposition forces in Akobo and surrounding areas to remain on high alert, Lam said.
Earlier this week, SPLM-IO political officials said the Akobo community would not permit the governor to visit. But the governor’s office rejected the claim, calling it “baseless and misleading.”
Manaath Gany, Press Secretary to Governor Gai, said preparations for the visit were ongoing and that community leaders in Akobo had already met local authorities ahead of the governor’s arrival.
“I’m not sure these allegations are true because the governor is preparing to travel to Akobo. Those on the ground have already met with the community and elders, and we will be traveling today (Thursday),” Gany stated on Thursday. It was not clear as of Thursday evening if the governor had travelled.
He said the governor’s planned trip was part of a wider peace and reconciliation initiative across Jonglei State.
Riek was appointed governor earlier this year, replacing Denay Jock Chagor, who was nominated by the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) under the 2018 peace deal.
His appointment has been contested by SPLM-IO and other opposition groups, who say the move violated the power-sharing provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Gai’s visit to Akobo is intended to promote reconciliation efforts, assess local development priorities and engage traditional leaders, according to his office.
