Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Joins Kiir at Peace Rally in Kuajok ‎

Image
‎ South Sudan Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol joined President Salva Kiir Mayardit at a peace rally in Kuajok on Saturday, where leaders urged residents to embrace peace and unity ahead of South Sudan's planned general elections in December 2026. ‎ ‎Speaking to a large crowd gathered in the state capital, Hussein praised the people of Warrap for the warm welcome they gave President Kiir despite heavy rains. He said the turnout reflected the population's commitment to peace, stability, and national unity. ‎ ‎The vice president encouraged communities across Warrap State to avoid communal violence and work together to maintain peaceful coexistence as the country prepares for the upcoming elections. ‎ ‎VP. Hussein also highlighted the need to expand access to higher education. He reiterated his support for the establishment of public universities in Kuajok and Aweil, saying many students face difficulties accessing university education due to the lack of institutions closer t...

SPLM-IO Confirms Release of Member Arrested During Dr. Riek Machar’s Trial in Juba



‎Juba, South Sudan - October 9, 2025:

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) has confirmed the release of its member, Alfred Gatmai Koang, who was arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) on Wednesday during the ongoing trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused at Freedom Hall in Juba.


‎Arrest and Release Details

‎In a statement issued by SPLM-IO Youth League spokesperson Gattiek Wichar, Alfred Gatmai who serves as the Information Secretary of the SPLM-IO Caucus of Mayom County in Juba was released on Thursday afternoon, roughly a day after his detention.

‎Wichar said Gatmai was arrested inside Freedom Hall while attending the high-profile trial of Dr. Machar, which has drawn significant political and public attention nationwide.

‎“The national security didn’t provide any details surrounding his unlawful arrest,” the SPLM-IO statement reads. “Security officials insisted that Cde. Alfred Gatmai defied the search order while entering Freedom Hall an accusation which Alfred dismissed in its entirety.”

‎SPLM-IO Reaction

‎Wichar confirmed that Gatmai is now in good health and safe condition, thanking those who intervened to secure his release.

He, however, condemned what he described as an act of intimidation against SPLM-IO members peacefully attending public court sessions.


‎The opposition group reiterated its call for respect of civil and political rights during the ongoing judicial proceedings involving its top leadership.

‎Background

‎The arrest came amid heightened tension surrounding the special court trial of Dr. Riek Machar and seven senior SPLM-IO officials. 

The proceedings have been marked by tight security and restricted media access, sparking criticism from peace partners and civil society groups concerned about transparency and due process.

‎Outlook

‎Political observers say incidents like Gatmai’s brief detention risk further straining relations between the SPLM-IO and government security institutions at a time when the peace process remains fragile ahead of the anticipated national elections.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

President Salva Kiir Mayardit Orders Enhanced Security in Central Equatoria State Ahead of Elections ‎

‎Mam Pal Denies Funding Armed Youth (White Army) Activities as Special Court Hearing Continues in Juba

President Salva Kiir Mayardit Approves Release of 2025 S.4 Examination Results ‎