Juba, South Sudan
December 4, 2021 — The Council of States’ Deputy Speaker calls for the release of the SPLM-IO former members from Ruweng who are detained in Unity State.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of States and Ruweng Administrative Area member of parliament, Mary Ayen, appeals to SPLM-IO leadership to unconditionally release top generals from Ruweng Administrative area who were arrested following their defection from the SPLM-IO to SSPDF.
Hon. Ayen said, the soldiers were arrested after some of their colleagues switched their allegiance to SPLM forces and they have been held in detention at Ding Ding Barack in Unity State since 5th of November 2021.
“These military personnels were arrested in Ding Ding after some of their colleagues shifted allegiance to SPLM from SPLM-IO. I wonder why these people are detained and there is rampant defection across parties,” Ayen said.
Speaking at closing day of the 5th Governor’s Forum, held in the capital Juba, Ayen appealed to SPLA/M -IO leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, to talk to his military leadership for immediate release of about eight soldiers from Ruweng Administrative area who were in the ranks of SPLA-IO and now detained for switching their allegiance.
The detained military officers were identified as Brigadier General Choch Miyom Mayiik, Colonel Nyokrial Miabek Deng, Captian Chol Miaper Deng Arop and Captian Miabek Gok Miabek among others.
Nyamilepedia made several attempts to reach the SPLA-IO military spokesman for comment but all went in vain and as such it could not independently verify such information.
Early this week, the SPLA-IO military spokesman, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel denied any knowledge of the allegedly detained military personnel by the SPLA-IO leadership.
