SPLMIO decries torture execution of personnel at cantonment sites

Wed 2025-04-16

Photo of Pal Mai Deng, SPLM-IO Spokesperson and Chairperson of the National Committee for Information and Communication. — Pal Mai Deng, SPLM-IO Spokesperson and Chairperson of the National Committee for Information and Communication. [Photo: Courtesy]

JUBA – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has accused government forces of unleashing assaults and forced disappearance, among other severe treatment against its personnel at cantonment sites around the country.

In a press statement dated April 14, 2025, Pal Mai Deng, SPLM-IO Spokesperson and Chairperson of the National Committee for Information and Communication, detailed a series of aggressive actions aimed at intimidating the opposition group and derailing the peace agreement.

“SPLM-IG’s troops and tribal militia are carrying out unjustified imprisonment, torture, forced disappearance, and summary execution of members of the ethnic Nuer group,” the statement read.

Deng said similar violations were reported against the Balanda ethnic group in Western Equatoria, with the SPLA-IO secretariat in Malakal looted and closed, and the Eastern Equatoria Deputy Governor’s office shuttered.

The statement outlined the arrests of prominent SPLM-IO figures, beginning with Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, SSPDF Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, on March 3, 2025, followed by Puot Kang Chuol, Minister of Petroleum, on March 5, Gatwech Lam Puoch, a Member of Parliament, on March 11, and Dr. Isaiah Akol, Deputy Governor of Lakes State, on March 23.

The detention of First Vice President and SPLM-IO Chairman Dr. Riek Machar on March 26, 2025, marked a significant escalation.

“Following the arrest and detention of our members… and lastly, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny… the SPLM-IG, supported by security agencies, has been waging a relentless campaign of intimidation, threats, blackmail, and propaganda,” Deng stated.

Deng reported military attacks on SPLM-IO forces at cantonment sites and training centers, including Rirangu, Wunaliet, Muni, Nyara, Rejaf, Rambur, Aswaa, and Thorgwang, as well as civilian populations in Nasir, Western Equatoria, Ulang, Fangak, and Akobo counties.

The statement alleged the deployment of foreign mercenaries, stating, “UPDF and RSF mercenaries have been brought to South Sudan to do away with the R-ARCSS by subduing the peace-loving party, the SPLM/A (IO).”

Deng also raised concerns about “airstrikes using chemical weapons” in Nasir, Ulang, and Malakal, calling for an independent international investigation into these reported war crimes and human rights abuses.

Fearing a political purge, many SPLM-IO leaders have fled Juba to SPLM-IO-controlled areas or neighboring countries.

The Spokesperson refuted claims that these departures indicate a withdrawal from the R-TGONU, asserting, “The narrative by peace spoilers that those who left Juba… have walked out of the R-TGoNU is baseless and cheap propaganda.”

Deng accused the SPLM-IG of violating the R-ARCSS power-sharing provisions by appointing its members and SPLM-IO defectors to SPLM-IO-designated positions, further eroding the agreement.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment, Deng declared, “The SPLM/A-IO is and shall remain an integral part of the R-TGoNU under the R-ARCSS.” He urged dialogue to resolve challenges, demanding “the unconditional release of H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny… and other political and military detainees, and the unconditional withdrawal of foreign troops.”

The statement also called on regional and international bodies, including IGAD, the AU, and the UN, to investigate the violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

sudanspost.com