By Matik Kueth
At least eight SPLM-IO officials among the 21 arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) were released on Tuesday, according to Puok Both Baluang, Acting Press Secretary in the office of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Baluang told King Media in an interview that the eight individuals released included relatives of Puot Kang Chol, the Minister of Petroleum.
“We would like to confirm the release of only eight individuals from the group of people who were arrested along with Hon. Puot Kang Chol, Minister of Petroleum,” Baluang said.
Nelson Malou Lueng Makeny, Kun Tut Gatluak, Peter Magong Degay, Koang Puok Thoat, Biluny Puok Thoat, Buay Thichuong Buoy, Yien Dak Kuach, and Bidit Hoth Guandong were among the officials released.
Baluang urged the NSS to release the petroleum minister, Puot Kang Chol, Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Deputy CDF of the SSPDF; Camilo Gatmai Kel, former Office Manager in the office of the First Vice President; and the remaining seventeen (17) SPLM/A-IO detainees.
“We reiterate our call for the release of Hon. Puot Kang Chol, Minister of Petroleum; Gen. Gabriel Doup Lam, Deputy CDF of SSPDF; Mr. Camilo Gatmai Kel, former Officer Manager in the office of the First Vice President; and the other seventeen (17) SPLM/A-IO detainees,” he stated.
Tensions have intensified in recent weeks between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the armed youth known as the White Army in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, resulting in the deaths of the SSPDF commander, Maj. Gen. Majur Dak, and 27 others.
The government then arrested SPLM-IO officials in Juba, alleging that they were involved in the recent confrontations in Nasir between government forces and the white army.