SPLM officials arrested in Warrap over links to Juba clashes
December 17, 2013 (JUBA) – Government agents in South Sudan’s Warrap state have arrested a number of key local officials over allegations their opposition to state governor Nyandeng Malek is linked to an alleged coup plot by former vice-president Riek Machar.
It is unclear what evidence Warrap authorities have which links the officials to what transpired in Juba.
There has been ongoing conflict between Malek and state officials of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), who accuse the governor of forming her cabinet without parliamentary approval.
Acting SPLM chairperson Andrew Kuac and acting secretary-general Deng Deng Nhial are said to be among those arrested and detained, reportedly on the orders of the acting governor, Akec Tong.
Karlo Maluil Makuek, a lead coordinator for the state’s SPLM Youth initiative, which supports the governor’s removal, told Sudan Tribune that the deputy governor had gone to the SPLM office on Monday and declared himself chairperson of the party and threatened members.
“He told comrade Andrew Kuac to get out of the chair so that he takes over. He declared himself and accused the members of carrying [out] activities supportive of Riek Machar and his group”, Makuek said, adding that the conflict with the governor has no links to what is happening in Juba
“I don’t know how our internal difference on how governor Nyandeng Malek runs the state is interpreted to mean support for Riek Machar. Our difference with Nyandeng is over constitutional violation which started long before what happened on Sunday in Juba occurred”, he added.
(ST)