SPLA-IO forces in Unity state detain senior SPLM-IG official

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has detained a senior member of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IG) party in Unity state, according to a senior member of the Kiir-led party.

In a statement, Doctor Chotyier Koryom, the SPLM-IG Secretary-General of Unity State, said SPLM-IG Secretary General in Panyijiar County was arrested by SPLA-IO forces on orders of the SPLM-IO-nominated commissioner of Panyijiar County.

“With deeply concern the SPLM State Secretariat has condemned the detention of its Secretary in strongest terms possible, Cde Mathiang Dagai Mayian arrested in Panyijiar County by major partner SPLM/A IO Forces, otherwise this act mounted as violation of R-ARCISS,” Chotyier said in the statement.

He urged the SPLM-IO leadership in the area to immediately release the detained official and decease from similar acts in the future which he said may strains relationship between the SPLM-IO and the SPLM-IG who are both signatories of the revitalized peace agreement.

“Therefore, the SPLM State main office, urge Commissioner of Panyijiar County to act prudently for the release of party Secretary in the county,” Chotyier said.

“….. otherwise the act is seriously rejected and condemned by the SPLM state Secretariat. The act is contradicting the spirit of Revitalize peace agreement and it can cause chaos,” the senior SPLM-IG official said.