S. Sudan’s former detainees expected in Juba next week

May 25, 2015 (JUBA) – An advance team of South Sudan’s former political detainees are expected in the country this week, officials from the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) said.

Anne Itto, the acting secretary general of party, said former cabinet affairs minister, Deng Alor will lead the team, comprising of former finance minister, Kosti Manibe, former justice minister, John Luk and former postal services and telecommunications, Madut Biar.

“We should expect an advance team led by Deng Alor to come this week. And before they arrived we will have the visit from South African vice president and secretary of CCM [Chama Cha Mapinduzi] on 27th [May] to consult with the president about the return arrangement of the former detainees”, Itto said on Monday.

“This is good news to the SPLM and South Sudanese. Once they are here, we will begin to implement the reunification of the SPLM”, she added.

At least 60 South African security personnel, Itto said, have been permitted to provide protection to officials during their meetings.

“When it comes to security matters, I do not know much about them because there are people who handle such issues, but what I have been told is that there are contacts already, and this will be finalised before the visit take place,” stressed Itto.

“Their security will be guaranteed as agreed before”, added the senior SPLM official.

It is unclear whether the officials are coming as part of the SPLM re-unification agreement reached in Arusha, Tanzania, early this year or as part of the initiative of the ex-detainees who requested regional leaders to help them reach out to the warring parties.

(ST)