SPLM-IO Officials Arrested in Warrap as Political Crisis Deepens in South Sudan

Dr. Riek Machar 

Tensions are mounting in South Sudan following the arrest of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Warrap State. The detentions come just weeks after the controversial arrest of SPLM-IO leader and First Vice President Riek Machar in Juba.

Among those detained in the state capital, Kuajok, are Kuec Deng Mayar, the Speaker of the Warrap State Legislative Assembly and SPLM-IO state chairperson; John Kok Deng, the state’s legal advisor; and Luka Thiony Majok, chair of the education committee. SPLM-IO spokesperson Pal Mai Deng condemned the arrests, calling them "a direct violation of the 2018 peace agreement."

“These are not just politicians. They are representatives of the people. Their arrest is an attack on the very spirit of the peace deal,” Pal said in a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj.

The 2018 peace agreement, which brought an end to South Sudan’s devastating five-year civil war, established a transitional power-sharing government. However, the implementation of key provisions—such as security arrangements and elections—has faced repeated delays.

Since Machar’s arrest on March 26 alongside several top allies, violence has flared in parts of Upper Nile State, raising fears that the country may slip back into conflict. SPLM-IO has also demanded the withdrawal of Ugandan forces from South Sudan, claiming foreign involvement is escalating the crisis.

In Warrap, residents expressed fear and frustration. “We have been hoping for peace to take root, but this looks like we are going backwards,” said Mary Ajith, a schoolteacher in Kuajok. “The youth are restless, and people are afraid more violence will come.”

Despite mounting pressure, the government has not publicly addressed the arrests. Analysts warn that continued crackdowns on the opposition could stall the peace process and undermine preparations for the long-awaited national elections.

For many South Sudanese, the road to lasting peace now seems more uncertain than ever.