SPLM-IO sets up state secretariat in Aweil, hopes to reduce ‘intimidation’ by security agencies

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has opened its state secretariat for Northern Bahr el Ghazal state.

In an exclusive interview with Sudans Post, Angelina Aweng Abraham Akoon, SPLM-IO Chairperson for Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, said they have been constantly harassed by security agencies and hopes the establishment of the secretariat in Aweil will end the harassments.

“Each time we hold a meeting, we are always attacked by security. We used to sit outside, and now with the establishment of this secretariat, we hope there will be no more attacks,” she said from the state capital Aweil.

“We have continuously been threatened and intimidated by security and most of our meetings are abruptly terminated,” Aweng added.

Aweng who also doubles as the Deputy Speaker of Northern Bahr el Ghazal said the establishment of the state secretariat will transform the movement into an organized political party.

“The SPLM-IO secretariat is very important and it shows that the party is well organized. Previously we did not have a secretariat and we usually conduct party meetings in open places,” she said.

“Now the activities of the party will be carried out within the secretariat, and the issues of the party will now be addressed within the secretariat,” she added.

She said the official launch of the state secretariat will be announced as soon as the necessary arrangements are put in place.

“People will be paying visits to us in the office and anyone interested to join the SPLM-IO party can easily register. I will be going to Juba, come with T-shirts for the party and the party secretariat will be officially launched,” he said.

The SPLM-IO established its general-secretariat in Juba on 11 December 2021 with branches in Lakes State, Unity State, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and other states.