Rebel group turned ‘peace partner’ of the South Sudanese government SPLM-IO has confirmed the release of 21 members in Juba who were detained by the National Security Service last Tuesday while attempting to mobilize people to a reception for the arrival of their deputy chairman.
Ramadan Hassan Bako, the deputy head of the SPLM-IO advance team in Juba, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj on Friday evening the release of their team.
“They released them just a while ago around 5:00. I was in a meeting so I’m not sure completely but the news that reached me is that they released all of them, all 21,” he said.
Ramadan added, “This is something very good in the implementation of the peace agreement… this helps peace.”
SPLM-IO spokesman in Juba William Ezekiel separately confirmed the release to Eye Radio, though he put the number of those released at 18.
“We are delighted that our comrades who were under detention by South Sudan national security service for the last four days have at last been freed,” he said.
Photo: Kang JJ/Facebook
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