SPLA-IO commanders briefly detained Leek community leader in Bentiu

RUBKONA, AUGUST 21, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – South Sudan opposition commanders from the main armed opposition SPLA-IO in Unity State had detained Malek Dalenga Ruazel, the Leek Community Chairperson in Rubkona, for three weeks in January.

A source with direct knowledge told Sudans Post yesterday that the opposition commanders sought to use Malek and the Leek Community Association as a pressure group to write to First Vice President Riek Machar to recommend a candidate of the commanders’ choice for Rubkona commissioner.

“They wanted him to work with them so that he can write a letter on behalf of the Leek Community telling Machar that they want a certain candidate,” the source said.

“After he refused, they detained him and he was beaten and kept at Dingding barrack for three weeks,” the source added.

Dingding is the area in Rubkona where SPLA-IO forces are assembled as part of an arrangement provide for in the revitalized peace agreement.

The area also serves as the headquarters of SPLA-IO sector 2 command in Unity State.

In January, the commanders reportedly forced Machar to replace Gatluak Wichar as commissioner of Rubkona, but the later appointed a different person than their candidate as the new commissioner of the country.