CPA decries intimidation of opposition members ahead of elections

By Simon Deng

The chairman of the opposition Common Peoples Alliance (CPA), Deng Bol Aruai Bol has strongly condemned the ongoing intimidation and arrest of opposition members by national security service operatives as the country heads for the December 2024 elections.

Bol cited the arrest of Madit Jacob Panchol a member of the United South Sudan Party (USSP) on January 28, 2024.

“I am writing to bring to your attention a deeply concerning incident that occurred on January 28, 2024, involving the brief interception, apprehension and detention of a member of the opposition party with the intention of coercing him into joining the SPLM,” Bol said in a statement addressed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit seen by The Dawn on Tuesday.

He said that they came to learn of Panchol predicament after he shared his harrowing experience in detention them.

 “As we approach the upcoming elections, any form of intimidation, harassment, physical violence, forced recruitment or retention, disappearances or political assassinations, whether sanctioned by the SPLM or not will undermine trust in the electoral process,” Bol said.

He also disclosed that Panchol was arrested by operatives of the national security service.

Bol revealed that Panchol was warned by the national security service to stop associating with the opposition upon his release.

Bol called on President Salva Kiir to order thorough investigation into this incident and issue directives to the SPLM party leaders and security forces across the nation to respect the rights of citizens.

“It was truly shocking to learn that such actions are taking place in our nation, which is only ten months away from important democratic elections, the people of South Sudan expect the SPLM to serve as a model for democracy,” Bol said.