South Sudan Arrests SPLM-IO Leaders, Shuts Opposition Office in Lakes State
South Sudan’s Lakes State authorities have closed the main office of the opposition SPLM-IO in Rumbek and detained senior party officials, including Deputy Governor Isaiah Akol Mathiang, sparking fears of an escalating political crackdown.
The arrests followed Mathiang’s criticism of earlier detentions of SPLM-IO officials in Juba. Governor Rin Tueny Mabor, a senior member of the ruling SPLM party, accused Mathiang of insubordination and incitement, prompting intervention by the National Security Service (NSS).
Other arrested officials include Gai Magok, Ater Akolde, and Mandela Machiek, according to party sources. The acting State Information Minister, William Koji Kirjok, confirmed that the office would remain closed until investigations and court proceedings are completed.
The SPLM-IO national secretariat condemned the actions as a breach of the 2018 peace deal, urging authorities to reopen the office and release the detainees. Spokesperson Pal Mai Deng said the arrests and closure “violate agreements designed to maintain peace and political inclusivity.”
The incident adds to regional instability, following recent clashes in Upper Nile State where a “white army” militia reportedly loyal to Vice President Riek Machar seized Nasir town, highlighting ongoing tensions between government and opposition forces.
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