SSUF/A not linked to detained Awiel activist: spokesperson

January 7, 2023 (NAIROBI) – South Sudan United Front/Army under Gen. Paul Malong Awan has described as “unfortunate” the arrest of activist Samuel Garang Dut by security agents in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

Dut was arrested over his alleged links to Malong, relatives and friends said.

“First of all, remember SSUF/A is an armed group under an umbrella of NSSSOG who are not yet to reach the peace deal with the government of South Sudan, so how is it possible for us to have our active members operating inside Juba?” SSUF/A spokesperson Col. Philip Deng Kuol Nguot said in a statement on Saturday.

He added, “You know, this is just an intended plan designed by SSNS in order to harm that activist because he is showing their activities to an international view”.

The rebel group also distanced itself from having any links with detained civil society activist as alleged.

“And the government in Juba should make sure civil right activists are given a room to criticize the performance of the government as it’s happening in a democratic world,” stressed Nguot.

Meanwhile, SSUF/A called on Amnesty International to exert pressure for the unconditional release of the activist.

The group condemned the attacks on its bases, calling on the ceasefire monitoring body (CTSAMVM) to investigate actions of the army.

SSUF/A vowed to respect the ceasefire agreement inked in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2011.

(ST)