SPLM-IO says security forces blocked secretariat launch in Rubkona

JUBA – South Sudan’s main opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), said security forces in Unity State blocked the launch of its county secretariat in Rubkona on Saturday, violating the revitalized peace agreement.

Dhoal Koryom, SPLM-IO spokesman in Unity State, said security forces, including the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), police, National Security Service (NSS), and other forces, were deployed to prevent supporters from attending the event.

“The SPLM-IO was to launch the SPLM-IO County Secretariat in Rubkona County, but unfortunately the Governor of the Unity State had instructed all the security organs…to block the launch,” Koryom said.

He said all routes leading to the venue were heavily secured, preventing supporters from attending.

Koryom accused Unity State Governor Riek Bim, a member of the ruling SPLM faction under President Salva Kiir, of orchestrating the disruption despite prior notification. He said the SPLM-IO had officially notified the governor of the planned launch.

“The Governor of the Unity State is clearly acting contrary with the spirit of peace…He was officially notified by the SPLM-IO on the launch…and yet decided to act aggressively,” Koryom added.

There was no immediate comment from the Unity State government.

This is the latest reported disruption of an opposition event by security forces. Previous incidents include disruptions in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, where opposition officials were allegedly beaten and threatened.