South Sudan businessman arrested over alleged debt row with Machar – family

JUBA – Family of South Sudan businessman and former member of the country’s main armed opposition group, Thalage Wal Goch Deng, has reportedly been detained in connection with a debt dispute with First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, his family said in a statement Monday evening.

Last week, Thalage accused Machar of refusing to pay him back for a 2014/2016 loan that he claims to have been taken by Machar. He said Machar has refused meet him several times, and has since refused to pay him back and announced later in the week that he has launched a lawsuit against Machar.

When contacted by Sudans Post last week, Machar’s office denied that the First Vice President had taken any loan from anybody, and then threatened to take legal proceedings against the businessman for trying to tarnish Machar’s ‘good refutation’ because he was asked to present evident which he failed to deliver.

However, in a statement seen by Sudans Post, Thalage’s family said the businessman has now been arrested by security officials acting on orders of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny after he filed a lawsuit, which is a right, to get his money back from the First Vice President.

“Mr. Deng loaned Riek Machar Teny in Addis Ababa Toyota Land Cruiser in 2014, 2015 and 2016 money totaling $210,000 with interest and a Toyota Pickup Land Cruiser. Riek Machar Teny refused to pay back the loan and threatened and chased Thalage Wal Goch Deng from his office as FVP,” the family statement seen by Sudans Post reads in part.

“Thalage Wal Goch Deng used the law by filing a case against Riek Machar Teny to get his loan back as required by the Laws of South Sudan and the International Law. Riek Machar Teny responded violently using his office as FVP by arresting Mr Thalage Wal Goch Deng and now languishing in Juba Northern Police Division Prison,” the statement said.

The statement further warned that Machar will be held accountable for any harm that comes Thalage’s way.

“This is a civil Law Suit and must be settled using the courts not intimidation and arrest. Riek Machar Teny will be responsible for any harm which will happen to our son,” the statement further concluded.

The office of the First Vice President did not immediately reply to Sudans Post’s request fro comment.