An opposition official reported that 200 T-shirts and various promotional items belonging to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), which had been confiscated in Ayod County, Jonglei State, have now been released.
The materials, including T-shirts, caps, tents, and plastic sheets, were initially seized on November 26 by SSPDF soldiers in Ayod town, acting on orders from the county commissioner.
Last week, Commissioner James Chuol explained to Radio Tamazuj that he authorized the confiscation due to the provocative nature of the writings on the T-shirts. He further stated that he would release the materials on the condition that the contentious writings were removed.
Commissioner Chuol clarified, “SPLM-IO has been operating in Ayod without interference, and some of its officials are part of my government as per the 2018 deal. The reason those T-shirts were confiscated is that the writing on them is not appropriate. It doesn’t make sense to inscribe ‘SPLM-IO Ayod County.’ Ayod County is not exclusive to a single party.”
Jonglei State SPLM-IO Secretary-General Michael Bol told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the confiscated items had been returned to them on Monday, and preparations were underway for the official launch of the SPLM-IO secretariat in Ayod. Bol commended the intervention of the state SPLM leadership, which facilitated the release of the confiscated items.
“Four days ago, our county secretary received the 200 T-shirts, caps, 2 tents, and 2 plastic sheets after the state’s intervention. We appreciate the state SPLM leadership for their efforts, as it aligns with the pursuit of peace,” Bol expressed. “Arrangements are in progress, and we will soon inaugurate our office in Ayod.”
He emphasized, “All the promotional materials were returned in good condition. We urge the commissioner to respect peace because every party, whether SSOA, OPP, SPLM, or SPLM-IO, has the right to operate anywhere, and it is within that party’s rights to identify itself with a county or state. There is nothing inciting about this.”
Bol Deng Bol, the head of the Jonglei State Civil Society Network (JCSN) and Intrepid South Sudan, expressed appreciation for the release of the confiscated items while cautioning against the recurrence of such incidents.
He emphasized that such actions constitute a violation of the peace agreement and stressed the importance of upholding political pluralism and constitutional principles.
In his statement, activist Bol highlighted, “The confiscation was a violation of political pluralism that the peace agreement has emphasized and is also emphasized by our constitution. As we are heading for political processes like elections, it is essential that freedoms of movement and association are respected for people to associate with any political party.”
He further asserted, “What happened in Ayod was a violation, and I am glad that the T-shirts were released, but there is a need for leadership to ensure that such incidents do not recur.”
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