NSS shuts down agencies printing SPLM-IO banners, T-shirts – Machar’s deputy

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny is claiming that the National Security Service (NSS) has shut down agencies that print SPLM-IO T-shirts, banners and logos.

In a statement seen by Sudans Post, SPLM-IO deputy chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino said he is disappointed by the reports he is receiving that the National Security Service is closing down businesses contracted by the SPLM-IO to print its logos, t-shirts and banners.

“[I am] very disappointed by shocking reports from the market of widespread crackdown by National Security operatives and police as well as threats of closure of all printing press printing SPLM IO political party logo, party color T-Shirts, banners and flags,” Oyet said.

While Sudans Post cannot independently very the claims, Oyet who is also the first deputy speaker of parliament went on to said that the group has, several times, warned that the National Security Service and other organized forces are a part of the ruling SPLM party under President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

“We have been saying the organized forces, the National Security Services and the National police services etc are working as paramilitary forces and are heavily under influence of political directives and affiliated to the SPLM,” he said.

“The lack of political space and civil liberties (marginalization) are real danger and remain the biggest threats to democratization and political pluralism in country,” he added.