SPLM-IO politicians “living in fear” in Western Equatoria

Yambio – Members of the main armed opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria (SPLA-IO), led by Dr. Riek Machar Teny, claimed they are living in fear following dismissal of Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba as state governor.

President Kiir relieved Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba on 10th February 2025 as governor of Western Equatoria State.

His residency came under attack after his dismissal in the presidential decree read on state-owned TV, SSBC, alongside Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng.

Both Gen. Futuyo and Awel are members of the opposition group SPLM-IO, led by First Vice President Riek Machar.

Mary Abdullah, SPLM-IO State Secretary General, told Sudans Post on Friday that their members had been beaten, arrested, and had their homes set on fire.

“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 or why the governor is not appointed,” Abdullah said.

Abdullah claimed their members’ lives are in jeopardy in Western Equatoria State.

“We used to hear the Deputy Governor talking about IO resuming work as the situation was calm. Yesterday (Thursday), he urged the people to stop burning houses, but our people are still experiencing tensions. Our Hon. Luke Johnathan, a state MP, had his house burned down, so our lives are in danger.”

She called for the quick appointment of a new SPLM-IO governor or the reinstatement of former governor Futuyo.