The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) faction under the leadership of the former vice president Riek Machar denied on Monday reports that Sudanese government has shut down their offices and asked their representatives to stop conducting their activities in the country.
“There is nothing like that, I am not aware of these reports. In fact there is no such development. Our relations with the Sudanese government are excellent”, said Tingo Peter, the newly appointed secretary general on Monday.
The official was reacting to reports that the Sudan National Security Service has arrested Gatbang Riir Puk, the representative of his group in Khartoum. Gatbang was appointed in July by Riek Machar as his representative to Sudan.
South Sudanese ambassador to United States, Gordon Buay claimed in a statement that they have received reports from Khartoum the Sudan National Security closed the offices of the SPLM-IO elements loyal to Machar and arrested his representative at 5 pm on Sunday.
“His office was closed down after his arrest and all documents confiscated. It is reported that the Sudan National Security will arrest more supporters”, said Buay.
He described the decision by the Sudanese government as a demonstration of commitment to implementing the non-aggression fact as stipulated in the security arrangement under the 2012 cooperation agreement.