The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has accused Unity State Governor Riek Biem Top of obstructing the launch of its secretariat in Rubkona County, Unity State.
The allegations follow the SPLM-IO’s plans to inaugurate its secretariat in Rubkona on Saturday, 15 February 2025. The party, led by First Vice President Riek Machar, claims the move was blocked by the governor, in violation of the 2018 peace agreement.
In a statement issued on Monday and seen by Radio Tamazuj, SPLM-IO spokesperson for Unity State, Dhoal Koryom, alleged that Governor Biem who is a member the SPLM ordered security forces to prevent the event from taking place.
“The Governor of Unity State instructed all security organs to block the launch. All routes leading to the Rubkona playground were heavily deployed by security forces to prevent supporters from attending,” Koryom said.
He further accused the governor of acting contrary to the spirit of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which he is expected to uphold as a leader for all citizens.
“The SPLM-IO in Unity State would like to inform the general public that the governor is clearly acting against the principles of peace, which is contrary to what is expected of him as a governor under the peace agreement,” Koryom added.
The spokesperson also claimed that Governor Biem had been formally notified about the event but chose to act “aggressively” to stop it.
“His Excellency Justice Riek Biem Top was officially notified by the SPLM-IO about the launch of the county secretariat, yet he decided to act aggressively,” Koryom stated.
The SPLM-IO expressed deep concern over the incident, questioning the governor’s commitment to fostering unity and peace in the state.
However, Unity State’s Information Minister, Gatwech Biphal, dismissed the allegations when reached for comment, describing them as a “political gimmick.”
“That is what they think, but it is not the reality. It has nothing to do with the truth. What would be the point of blocking them if they already have a headquarters in the state? Nothing like that happened,” Biphal said.
He suggested that the SPLM-IO’s failure to organize the event properly should not be blamed on the governor.
“If the SPLM-IO fails to organize its own function, they cannot place the blame on the governor. If they fall short in their work, they cannot claim that the governor is obstructing them. Nothing like that happened,” he added.
The SPLM-IO is a signatory to the 2018 peace agreement and maintains an office in Bentiu, the capital of Unity State. The party has been a key player in South Sudan’s peace process, alongside the ruling SPLM party led by President Salva Kiir.
The incident has raised concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement and the ability of political parties to operate freely in the state.
No further comments were immediately available from Governor Biem or his office.