BENTIU – At least four Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–In Opposition (SPLM-IO) officials loyal to former Panyijar County Commissioner Gabriel Magok Bol have been released from detention in South Sudan’s Unity State, officials confirmed Friday.
Speaking to Sudans Post in Adok, Magok said the four individuals were freed earlier this week and have since travelled by boat to Adok, where they regrouped with him. He added that the group is now preparing to proceed to Bentiu, the capital of Unity State.
According to Magok, those released include the county’s police director, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director, and two other SPLM-IO-affiliated officers. Their detention had raised concerns among party members and local residents amid ongoing political and administrative disputes in Panyijar County.
However, Magok noted that two SPLM-IO members remain in detention. He identified them as the county secretary of the SPLM-IO and another party member, calling for their immediate release.
“I am still the legitimate commissioner of Panyijar County because I have not been relieved of my duties by the President of the Republic of South Sudan,” Magok asserted. He dismissed the authority of the recently appointed military commissioner, Stephen Gai, who was named to the position by SPLM-IO Chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino approximately two months ago.
Magok further stated that he continues to hold the official county stamp, which he says has not been handed over to the newly appointed commissioner. “The stamp of the county is still with me, and I did not transfer it to the military commissioner,” he said, emphasizing his claim to the office.
He added that the four released detainees are currently with him in Adok and that they will all travel together to Bentiu. “We are going to Bentiu to continue running government affairs from the Unity State capital,” Magok said.
Efforts by Sudans Post to reach Panyijar County’s military commissioner, Stephen Gai, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable by press time.
The situation highlights ongoing internal tensions within the SPLM-IO and continued uncertainty over administrative authority in parts of Unity State, amid broader challenges facing the implementation of local governance structures under the transitional political arrangement.
