Two political activists who were being detained in Bor town of Jonglei State for demanding the removal of the state deputy governor have been released. 

Late last month, two political activists—Anyieth Makuei Anyieth, also known as Gun Jamus, and his colleague Mary Dookdit, were arrested and detained in the state capital, Bor town. 

The two are part of the disgruntled Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party members who have since been calling for the removal of the state party leader and deputy governor Antipas Nyok Kucha over alleged incompetence and incitement. 

Anyieth Makuei Anyieth told Radio Tamazuj over the weekend that they were released Tuesday after languishing at the Bor main prison for a week without charges. 

“We were released on Tuesday morning after spending 8 days in the cell. We were not charged. The arrest was an order from the deputy governor because they said we have been fighting for the removal of the deputy governor,” he stressed. 

Anyieth said their arrests were politically motivated. 

“I am a prison service official, and I am also an artist. What happened is that I was invited by the SPLM party to campaign for them during the 2010 election and the referendum. That is how I became active in politics. In 2016, I was the SPLM youth league secretary for mobilization. So, why would I be the only one targeted when now there are active members of soldiers in the current state party leadership?” Anyieh asked. 

The disgruntled SPLM member pointed out that they are seeking to sue the state deputy governor and the Bor prison director for their arbitrary arrest. 

Early last week, Deng Ajang Duot, the SPLM party Secretary-General, denied his party involvement in the arrest, saying the two were arrested on administrative grounds. 

The senior state party official however pointed out that they are ready to dialogue with the disgruntled group to seek an amicable settlement to the simmering tension within the party.