Mar 26th 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – The SPLM-IO under the leadership of the former First Vice President Riek Machar Teny calls for the unconditional release of the rebel leader from the confinement in South Africa.
According to a statement posted on his social media (Facebook) page, Mabior Garang de’ Mabior, Chairman of the SPLM-IO’s national committee for information, “The release of the Chairman and Commander in Chief of the SPLM/SPLA (IO), Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, should not be simply a relocation of the venue of detention, but should be an unconditional release.”
The statement added that “The detention is without due process, coupled with the “Taban Predicament”, which is a violation of Chapter One, Article 6.5 of the ARCISS, is unbecoming.”
Mabior also added that the forceful detention which has been going on for two years has failed to yield results and that there is no any reason for Machar to continue staying in jail if IGAD thought his detention will bring peace.
“The confinement of the Chairman of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) in the name of peace has failed going on two years. It is time to deal with the “Great Elephant”.”
IGAD special envoy recommends review of Machar status
In a related development, the IGAD special envoy for South Sudan Ambassador Ismail Wais, has recommended that the IGAD Council of Ministers should review and take appropriate action on the status of the exiled rebel leader Riek Machar.
In a released progress report due to be presented to the IGAD Council of Ministers in its extraordinary meeting on South Sudan in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa today, the envoy said the opposition and other stakeholders throughout the peace forum raised questions about the participation of the rebel leader Riek Machar in the forum, besides the release of all political prisoners.
Machar who is the chairman of the main armed opposition group, the SPLM-IO, is being held in South Africa to prevent him from going back to his country reportedly on the recommendation of the IGAD who believe keeping him away would prevent continuation of war in South Sudan. However, war has continued and human rights organisations suggested that a genocide is possible.
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Yes, dear ones, South Sudan issue is a difference ball game which has multiple dimensions. Despite all your effort to keep the fire burning and encouraging violence for the cause of position. Yes, those who will still breathing at that time will remember what I said on these days. Do I say these things with confusion whether you disagree or not? For sure I know full well you do not like it and that is the all point of it. What is working and will work is not by permission from anybody so with all your oppositions this guy you have to be for him. Because one way or the other he is going to be your leader. Note that it is not an empty word people say on the media or when converse with each other it is real deal that take meaning as i am speaking. Anyone who oppose me is not a part of me and anyone who is not a part of me has not future get that to your inner being. whether you voice your opposition on media concerning me or it is silenced in your hearts. You will be judged for it. I do not only respond from face to face opposition but unsaid words are considered. Yes, I wouldn’t generalize the saying because most of you are on the same page with me and with that in mind I am thankful.