SPLM alleges wider conspiracy in botched U.S. arms smuggling plot

JUBA – South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party on Friday alleged that a recently foiled attempt to smuggle arms from the United States to South Sudan involved a wider network of conspirators.

The SPLM’s claim follows a U.S. criminal complaint filed on Tuesday charging Peter Biar Ajak, 40, and Abraham Chol Keech, 44, with conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act.

They are accused of seeking to illegally export weapons including automatic rifles, grenade launchers, and Stinger missiles to South Sudan.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Friday, SPLM Secretary for Political Affairs and Mobilization Santo Malek Anai, expressed the government’s deep concern over the incident.

“For those who are emphasizing with Peter Biar, it is right time for them now to think twice, let them distance themselves from what he is doing, there are some other elements involved in that big conspiracy against the nation,” he said.

Peter Biar Ajak, leader and founder of the Revive South Sudan Party, fled to the U.S. four years ago. He claimed President Salva Kiir Mayardit ordered his abduction or killing while he was in hiding in Kenya. He was earlier at the detention of the government authorities for nearly two years.

Malek also asserted the government’s readiness to hold general elections in December. He cited the establishment of key bodies such as the Political Parties’ Council, National Constitutional Review Commission, and National Elections Commission as evidence.

“There is no room for more extension, we stand our ground, South Sudanese are tired of the transitional arrangement and transitional government, we are going for election,” said Malek.

He added that the government would not wait for opposition parties to organize before proceeding with elections.

“We are not in position to go and tell other political parties to come and conduct their programs, if they do not have programs then we cannot push them, we are more active because we have a program for this country,” Malek said.