The commissioner of Cueibet County in South Sudan’s Lakes State, Deng Mario Deng, has been suspended and arrested by security forces in the state capital, Rumbek, for allegedly defying orders.
Deng, a member of the opposition SPLM-IO party led by detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, was summoned by Governor Rin Tueny Mabor on April 15 and complied with the order to report to Rumbek. However, on Wednesday, he decided to return to Cueibet County without notifying state authorities, prompting his arrest.
Daniel Juol Nhomngek, a national lawmaker representing Cueibet County, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that Deng was suspended by the governor Wednesday evening, detained by security forces, and his vehicle was seized.
“Since the governor did not give him a written order to remain in Rumbek, he decided to return to Cueibet County. On the way, he was arrested, and his vehicle was taken,” Nhomngek said.
The suspension of the commissioner was announced on government-owned Radio 98.0 FM in Rumbek on Wednesday evening, he added.
For his part, Lakes State Acting Information Minister William Koji told Radio Tamazuj that Deng was suspended for “recklessness,” including frequent social media posts condemning security developments in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
“Here in Lakes State, we do not expect any executive member to issue official statements criticizing the political situation in Juba,” Koji said. “That should be handled by national authorities, not state officials.”
Koji accused Deng of violating government directives by commenting on national issues, which he said could incite violence. He also cited an incident in which Deng allegedly drove with his official flag in Rumbek while under summons, calling it “indiscipline.”
Meanwhile, civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon warned that Deng’s absence could create a leadership vacuum in Cueibet County, where tensions are high following recent violence.
“Three people were killed and six wounded in a case involving a girl’s elopement,” Kon said. “Without the commissioner, conflicts could escalate.”