Warrap MP downplays threats of violence over arrest of opposition leader
April 6, 2015 ( JUBA) – A member of Warrap state legislative assembly in South Sudan has downplayed report that youth members from the Dinka section of Kuac Ayok community have threatened to resort to violence to secure release of the leader of the newly established opposition People’s Liberal Party (PLP), Peter Mayen Majongdit.
The reason for his arrest remained unclear although unofficial sources linked it to his recent comments published by the Juba Monitor newspaper, quoting him to have labelled top ruling party (SPLM) cadres as “criminals” and “traitors” to South Sudan.”
He also warned that the officials would be “held accountable and pursued by the souls of innocent civilians whom they have killed”.
Other family sources seem to point accusing fingers to local politicians who have repeatedly questioned the basis for formation of the PLP party and how it came into existence, claiming it did not follow correct procedures required in the registration of a political organization to come into existence and operate.
The officials, according to family members, have reportedly accused and reported the opposition figure to government agents, saying some of those who picked him up are relatives of the politicians opposed to his establishing a political party.
Ariech Mayar Ariech, a member of Warrap state legislative Assembly, on Sunday questioned the legality of the People’s Liberal Party, citing constitutional requirements in which a party must get members from at least seven states of the ten states of South Sudan so as to qualify for registration. This is also after holding a convention by founding members from the delegates coming from different parts of the country.
He also denied there was youth from the area threatening to carry out attacks against Awan Chan community from which president Salva Kiir hails.
Youth from Kuac Ayok on Saturday warned of violence against president Kiir’s clan in the state and asked for release of their politician within 7 days.
The state parliamentarian said the arrest of the politician was an isolated incidence which shouldn’t warrant intra-communal violence.
“The arrest is an isolated incident and has nothing to do with our community known for its loyalty to president Salva Kiir and the SPLM leadership at large,” he said.
“We are not in a position to blindly defend the rebels’ agents,” he charged.
He said the youth of Kuac Ayok community should not threaten the president “due to the arrest of the rebels’ spy.”
He challenged the youth who issued a warning statement to disclose their identities if they were serious in what they wrote.
PLP party was formed earlier this year with the aim to build a society in which every citizen possesses liberty and security and remains “free from poverty and ignorance.”
The party, according to its vision, aspires to form a state that guarantees formation of “liberal, inclusive, just, democratic, transparent, accountable, peaceful, harmonious, secure and prosperous society” capable of devising viable economic policies by utilising resources to meet the hopes and aspirations of South Sudanese.
(ST)