SPLM-IO lawmakers in Warrap want UN protection as governor ‘threatened’ to kill them

JUBA – Members of South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Warrap State are seeking protection from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan after the governor allegedly threatened to kill them.

The lawmakers alleged that Governor Aleu Ayieny Aleu has declared war against the SPLM-IO constitutional post holders and has also threatened to kill them.

They also claimed that Governor Aleu had accused the SPLM-IO members of lack of cooperation and causing insecurity in the state.

Addressing journalists in Juba yesterday, Warrap State SPLM-IO Caucus at the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA), Yolanda Awel Deng threatened to withdraw its constitutional post holders from the Warrap State government over mistreatment and intimidation by the state governor.

“Our members are left without any option but to demand if no change in the situation, our members will withdraw from state or request protection of UNMISS,” Awel told reporters in Juba on Monday.

Awet said the governor’s actions amount to the violation of the revitalized peace agreement and called for an immediate solution.

“It is important for the public to know that what is happening in Warrap State is a violation of the R-ARCSS and must be addressed immediately. These acts are against the peace in the country,” she said.

She called on the unity government to intervene by addressing the unfolding grievances between the governor and SPLM-IO constitutional post holders in the state.

“We the members of the parliament in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and Council of State from Warrap are hereby protesting against the mistreatment and intimidation of our members in Warrap State,” she said.

She accused governor Aleu of executing over 46 people without due process of law.

23 were executed killed in Tonj North, 9 in Tonj South, 10 in Tonj East, 1 in Twic, and 3 in Gogrial West, according to the lawmakers.