A former senior SPLM official in Tonj State has been detained for about three months allegedly for meeting former vice president and rebel leader Riek Machar in the capital Juba in April.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj yesterday, Wutchok John Magangdit, member of the SPLM secretariat in Tonj State says Governor Akec Tong Aleu arrested Andrew Kuac Mayol, former chairman of the SPLM party in Warrap State for holding a meeting with former first vice president Riek Machar in April.

“Akec removed that man from his position, so after sacking him, Akech claimed that Andrew went to Juba and met with Riek Machar when he returned from Ethiopia,” said Magandit.

Magangdit pointed out that the detained SPLM official has nothing to do with Riek Machar, claiming Andrew was arrested for criticizing the state governor. He added that Andrew was arrested together with former commissioner of Tonj South William Wol since July.

“Andrew Kuac Mayol was arrested  since 23 July up to now, he is being detained together with the former commissioner of Tonj South William Wol Mayom, they are being detained illegally , people in Juba are not aware of what happened here,”he explained.

He called upon the relevant authorities to free the former SPLM leader, saying his health condition is deteriorating in detention.

File photo: Governor Akec Tong