Western Equatoria State’s Minister of Information, Elia Dominic Usini, has denied allegations that opposition-appointed ministers have abandoned their duties, stating that their absence from the state capital, Yambio, is due to safety concerns following a recent escalation in violence.
The disappearance of three state ministers and a county commissioner, all appointed by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has raised questions about their whereabouts.
The officials have been in hiding since February 10, when President Salva Kiir dismissed SPLM-IO-affiliated Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba and unilaterally removed several senior officials appointed under the 2018 peace agreement.
Shortly after the dismissals, Futuyo’s residence in Yambio was reportedly attacked by elements linked to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), prompting him to flee. In the aftermath, several SPLM-IO officials, including Usini, went into hiding, citing fears for their safety.
Speaking exclusively to Radio Tamazuj from an undisclosed location, Usini dismissed claims that the ministers had abandoned their posts as “propaganda” aimed at discrediting the SPLM-IO.
He confirmed that the officials had relocated to safer areas within South Sudan and abroad, after the security situation in Yambio deteriorated.
“The allegations that we are ‘missing’ are completely false. We are still part of the government and remain in constant communication with national and state leaders,” Usini said.
“The situation in Yambio after Governor Futuyo’s removal was volatile, and we had to prioritize our safety. This is not an abandonment of duty but a necessary step to ensure our survival,” he added.
Usini explained that Yambio became unsafe following Futuyo’s removal on February 10, forcing opposition ministers to seek refuge elsewhere. “At the time, Yambio was not under control. There were no guarantees of safety, so we had to take cover. Some of us went to Juba, a few traveled to Uganda, and others remain within the state. This was a temporary measure to ensure our security,” he said.
The minister emphasized that the officials had maintained contact with senior leaders, including First Vice President Riek Machar and the acting governor of Western Equatoria.
He revealed that they had held multiple conference calls to discuss their return and plans to stabilize the state.
Usini also rejected rumors that SPLM-IO ministers had been removed from their positions, stressing that they continued to serve the people of Western Equatoria.
“I have not been removed as Minister of Information, and neither have my colleagues. These rumors are baseless and intended to create confusion. We remain committed to our roles and to the people of Western Equatoria,” he said.
He clarified that not all ministers had left the state simultaneously. For instance, the Minister of Public Service had traveled to Uganda before the unrest for personal reasons unrelated to the security situation.
“We are not just ministers; we are sons and daughters of Western Equatoria. Our commitment to this state is unwavering. Despite the current difficulties, we are working to ensure stability and to return to our duties as soon as possible,” Usini said.
“We urge the people of Western Equatoria to stay informed and not be misled by false reports. We are in touch with key officials, and our commitment to our duties remains strong. We will return soon and continue serving our people,” he concluded.