South Sudan dismisses arrest of ex-Central Equatoria gubernatorial aspirant

April 29, 2010 (JUBA) — Authorities from the semi autonomous regional government of Southern Sudan have dismissed reports suggesting arrest of the former central Equatoria state gubernatorial contender, General Alfred Ladu Gore.

The denial came following widespread rumours that General Gore had been arrested by security operatives on the second day of the results in which he was declared loser of the race. The SPLM candidate Major General Clement Wani Konga was declared winner by the national elections body on Monday 26.

A hotly contested race in the six counties of the state saw participations of the national congress party represented by James Loro Ciricio, South Sudan Democratic forum by Ayine Richard Simon Nigo and United Democratic Front by Peter Abdul Rahman Sule.

Tension in Juba during the announcement of the result was high hence prompted security organs to place curfew as early as at nine o’clock in the evening to six o’clock in the morning.
Gore’s residence ceased to receive visitor regardless of the relationship. Security forces limited movement around his house.

However, in an interview with Sudan Tribune, General Achuil Tito Madut, Inspector General of southern Sudan police service at the ministry of internal affairs in Juba, confirmed no arrest of the General Alfred Ladu.

“Who said Alfred Ladu Gore has been arrested, who told you and what did you hear he has been accused of and did you visit his house to find that he is not there,” asked General Achuil.

The general who initially sounded angered by the speculations softened his voice by assuring that Alfred has not been arrested. “Nobody has arrested him and nobody has ever opened any case against him to warrant his arrest.”

“Nobody even is wishing him to be arrested. Those security forces you saw deployed at his residence after the announcement of the results were part of security forces deployed at all residences of top political figures.”

“It was for safety of all political figures even those who did not contest elections,” the general emphasized.

SPLM Secretary General, Pagan Amum in a press briefing in Juba yesterday on Wednesday 28, denied reports that one of the gubernatorial contestants in Central Equatoria, Alfred Gore, had been arrested. He assured that Mr. Gore is a free citizen and had not committed any crime to warrant his arrest.

He also cautioned the media against publishing unconfirmed reports which may jeopardize the post-election reconciliation process. He appealed to all citizens to discard the campaign bitterness and embrace each other for the sake of peace and prosperity. He reminded the people that the nature of elections is such that there can never be two winners and urged them to accept this reality and move on.

(ST)