By Emmanuel Mandella

Senior officials of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Western Equatoria State have gone into hiding following the removal of former governor and state party chairperson, Alfred Futuyo Karaba, a party official has said.

The dismissal, issued through a presidential decree, has triggered a wave of accusations, with some SPLM-IO members alleging intimidation in Yambio and surrounding areas, others citing looting and threats in what the official claimed is an attempt to muzzle the party.

Mary John Osman, Secretary of the SPLM-IO in Western Equatoria, voiced deep concern over the safety of party members citing that the removal of ex-governor Futuyo has created a different political atmosphere.

“Since they fled for their safety, they have not yet returned. The decree was to remove the governor, who was also our chairperson, but it has turned into something different. It’s a strategy to remove SPLM-IO from Western Equatoria,” Osman stated.

She further claimed that SPLM-IO officials’ properties had been looted and that some members continued to receive threats.

However, acting governor who is also the chairperson of the SPLM party in WES, Daniel Badagbu, dismissed the allegations, insisting that peace and normalcy had returned to the state capital.

“Work has resumed, calm has returned, and people are moving about their business as usual. I call on all SPLM-IO ministers, commissioners, and politicians to return and resume their duties. Their offices are empty and waiting for them. The government of Western Equatoria is committed to protecting all its citizens. No one should live in fear because of their political affiliations,” Badagbu emphasized.

While the SPLM-IO official stated the party was being targeted unfairly, residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some believing that the fleeing officials may have other reasons for going into hiding.

Meanwhile, some pointed out that several SPLM-IO officials remain active in the state without any apparent threats. “The state minister of cabinet affairs, the mayor of Yambio municipality, and the party secretary are all still here. Those who fled could be running because they don’t want to be held accountable,” said a resident.

With the ongoing developments, accusations and counteraccusations, observers warn that the current situation could threaten relations between coalition partners, and create setbacks in the country’s path toward lasting peace.

As the officials reportedly remain in hiding, questions persist: Are these officials genuine victims of political persecution, or are they escaping accountability for past misdeeds as argued by some locals? However, the acting governor has urged them to return to their places as the state restores calm following the political developments.