BENTIU—The Unity State government has rejected allegations that caretaker Governor Joseph Nguen Manytuil is defying presidential directives, intimidating political rivals, and interfering with the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)’s electoral process.
The dispute centres on accusations that Manytuil intends to seek the SPLM governorship nomination despite a presidential directive barring caretaker officials from contesting elections.
The party’s primary process in oil-producing Unity State has reportedly stalled after disagreements between the governor and the SPLM high-level committee overseeing the elections.
In a statement seen by Sudans Post, Unity State Information Minister Nyakenya Johannes Keah said Manytuil remained committed to a peaceful political transition and an orderly electoral process in line with applicable laws, party regulations, and directives from the national leadership.
“The allegations of intimidation, harassment, and deliberate obstruction of the electoral process are strongly disputed. The government does not endorse intimidation or the abuse of public authority against any individual on account of political differences,” she said.
Nyakenya also disputed allegations of harassment and deliberate obstruction, urging anyone claiming to have been intimidated to submit verifiable evidence through the appropriate channels.
“Any person alleging harassment or intimidation should present verifiable evidence through the appropriate channels so that the matter can be examined fairly and transparently. Political disagreements must not be converted into unsubstantiated accusations that risk undermining public confidence and stability,” she added.
Nyakenya’s account contrasts with reports that the party primaries in the state have hit deadlock following disagreements over the governor’s reported political ambitions and the application of presidential directives.
David Yau Yau, a member of the SPLM high-level committee overseeing the party congress and primary process in Unity State, has reportedly travelled to Juba to consult national party leaders after nearly two weeks of deadlocked coordination.
The disagreements reportedly extended to county-level party positions, with Manytuil said to have instructed county commissioners appointed during his caretaker tenure to seek SPLM county chairperson positions. Committee officials reportedly insisted that such contests must comply with internal party regulations and presidential directives.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
This month, a security incident unfolded at Rubkona Airport, where gunfire erupted as soldiers arrested former Rubkona County commissioner Stephen Salam Maluit over his alleged support for a rival candidate seeking to replace Manytuil.
The incident reportedly occurred when Salam went to the airport to welcome former national minister Michael Chiengjiek Gey, who had arrived in Bentiu from Juba.
In her statement, Nyakenya did not clearly state the circumstances of the reported arrest of Mr. Salam, but urged political stakeholders and media outlets to verify allegations before publication, warning that unsubstantiated accusations could undermine public confidence and fuel tensions.
The minister maintained that political competition at the boma, payam, county and state levels was legitimate but should be conducted peacefully and within established rules.
“Anyone who feels aggrieved has the right to seek redress through the appropriate party and government institutions. No political grievance should be used to incite hostility, spread misinformation, or destabilize the state,” she stated.
Manytuil has been a prominent figure in Unity State politics since succeeding Taban Deng in 2013 and also chairs the SPLM in the state.
South Sudan is preparing for its planned December 2026 general elections. The SPLM is currently engaged in its party primaries as part of the candidate selection process.
