Akuoch Ajang, Chairman of the South Sudan Civil Society Alliance (SSCSA), has criticized the government for arresting members of the SPLM-IO information team ahead of the return of Gen. Alfred Lado Gore on Tuesday.

Radio Tamazuj earlier reported that 16 members of the SPLM/A-in-Opposition in Juba were arrested by the National Security Service for seeking to mobilize people to turn out for a reception for their deputy chairman.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, Ajang called on the National Security Service to release the opposition members immediately.

He called on the two warring parties to stop political bickering over power and commit to the peace-building process and peace implementation in South Sudan.

The activist called on leaders of South Sudan to unite their ranks first for the best interests of citizens, while stressing the need for reconciliation and accountability for whoever perpetrated abuses against innocent civilians during the civil war in South Sudan.

Photo: SPLM-IO members were using this lorry in Juba to mobilize people to the reception of Gen. Lado Gore on Tuesday