Mar 2, 2021(Nyamilepedia) — South Sudan’s People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition has eased the travel restrictions that were imposed by the ITGNU to officials allied to President Kiir, effectively allowing free movement.
This information was relayed by the SPLM-IO deputy spokesperson, Manawa Peter Gatkouth who said the step signals the party’s commitment to existing under one government after the formation of the national unity government.
According to the SPLM-IO deputy spokesperson, all territories are governed under president Salvar Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar.
“All the territories of South Sudan belong to one government led by President Salva Kiir, and Dr. Riek Machar and other Vice Presidents,” said Manawa during an interview with Radio Miraya.
Speaking to the media after attending a peace mission in Jonglei state, Gatkuoth noted that from now on, all government officials, regardless of their political affiliations, can now travel freely and visit remote areas previously controlled by the main opposition group, SPLM-IO.
Last month, the students in SPLM-IO areas missed out on the national examinations after the Ministry of Education requested the President’s office to ban Primary Leaving Examinations in areas controlled by the SPLM-IO, citing insecurity and bureaucratic impediments.
“Security threats in most of the SPLM-IO bases in parts of Jonglei and Upper Nile State. Case in point is the recent detention of Staff belonging to an agent contracted by the National Ministry of General Education and Instruction to pay teachers’ incentives in Nyiror in Jonglei State.”
The restrictions were imposed by ITGNU after conflict erupted in mid-December 2013. This is the first time the opposition has relaxed the measures since they were imposed.
