SPLM-IO says Machar’s life under threat in Juba

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has said that the life of its leader and the country’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar and those with him are under “dangerous and serious security threats.”

Yesterday, a joint force comprising elements from South Sudan National Security Service (NSS) and South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) were deployed along all roads adjacent to the residence of the First Vice President with most close aides confirming the unusual development.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post this evening, the SPLM-IO said the South Sudan’s capital Juba is under deteriorating security situation and confirmed earlier reports of heavy deployment of security forces in and around the area where the First Vice President is located.

“We would like to inform the general public, the International Community, the African Union, the TROIKA, the IGAD, the UN Security Council and the People of South Sudan that the security situation in South Sudanese’ capital Juba is deteriorating,” the SPLM-IO said in the statement.

The statement said the group “witnessed … unusual military maneuvers” such as “Heavy military deployment in and around J1” and that “Airport road leading toward the American’s residence and from toward the airport barricaded.”

It said “All roads leading to the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny’s residence cordoned off. No one was allowed to access the First Vice President’s residence started 7PM – 6 AM.”

The statement also said “Close aides to the First Vice President were blocked and no one was allowed in or coming out from the residence.”

The statement said the group is there for “very concerned and we want to register our disappointment that these flagrant and reckless gestures are unwarranted.”