An alliance of ten South Sudanese political leaders has called for release of Riek Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In- Opposition.
The political leaders, according to a letter dated on December 22 and address the Ethiopia’s prime minister, said they were expecting the armed opposition leader to attend the revitalization forum in Addis Ababa but could be allowed to leave South Africa.
The letter entitled “Appeal for the immediate release of Dr. Riek Machar Teny, chairman of the SPLM/A-IO,” was addressed to the Ethiopian prime minister who also doubles as the chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
“Your Excellency, one key stakeholder, Dr. Machar, who ought to have been here with us in Addis Ababa for the forum, regrettably, he is confined to South Africa against his will for almost one year and a half years without charges,” the group wrote in the letter.
The detention of Machar, according to the group, is a violation of fundamental rights and freedoms that they believe would set a worrying precedent in Africa.
“Your Excellency, it is our firm belief that the confinement of Dr. Machar is a violation of fundamental rights and freedoms and sets a worrying precedent in Africa, in which any country can simply decide to persecute any opponent for political expediency. We, the undersigned opposition parties, call upon your good office to ensure Dr.Machar is immediately released in accordance with the letter and spirit of the cessation of hostilities agreement which guarantees the release of all political prisoners”, the letter reads in part.
The letter bears the manes and signatures of Henry Odwar, deputy chairman of the SPLM-IO faction under Riek Machar. Former finance Kosti Manibe signed as representative of the former detainees. Gabriel Changson Chang signed for Federal Democratic Party, Lam Akol Ajawin, represented National Democratic Movement, Taban Julu Ladimbe Lomuja, represented People’s Democratic Movement , General Thomas Cirilo Swaka, representing National Salvation Front,Hussein Abdel bagi Ayii Akol, represented South Sudan Patriotic Movement/Army, Denay Chagor, represented South Sudan United Movement and General Peter Gadet, represented South Sudan Liberation Movement.