By Matik Kueth
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in opposition (SPLM-IO) has accused the Governor of Unity State, Riek Biem Top, of issuing orders to stave off the launch of its Secretariat in Rubkona County, Unity State.
The controversy came after the SPLM-IO planned to launch its Secretariat in Rubkona on Saturday, February 15th, 2025. In a statement issued on Monday, Dhoal Koryom, SPLM-IO’s Spokesperson in Unity State, allegedly accused Governor Biem of directing security forces in Bentiu to obstruct the secretariat’s launch, citing a violation of the peace accord.
“The Governor of Unity State instructed all security organs to block the launch, All the routes that lead to the Rubkotna playground were heavily deployed by Security forces to prevent supporters from attending,” Koryom stated.
He noted that the Governor’s actions contradict the opponent’s expectations of him as the governor for all people.
“In light of the above, the SPLM-IO in Unity State would like to equally inform the General Public that the Governor of the Unity State is clearly acting contrary with the spirit of peace which is what is expected of him as a Governor of the Revitalize Peace Agreement,” he said.
Koryom stressed that Governor Biem was officially notified about the event but nevertheless intervened to stop its launch.
“On the same note His Excellency Justice Riek Biem Top was officially notified by the SPLM-I0 on the launch of the SPLM I0 County Secretariat and yet decided to act aggressively,” he stressed.
The SPLM-IO further expressed deep concern, casting doubt on the Governor’s commitment to regional unity and peace.
However, when contacted by King News, Unity State’s Information Minister, Gatwich Biphal, denied that such a scenario had not occurred. He pointed out that the SPLM-IO could not blame the governor on their failure to properly organize their event.
Unity State’s Information Minister, Gatwich Biphal (Courtesy)
“That one is what they think, but that one is not the reality. That is just a political gimmick. It has nothing to do with the reality. What is the point of blocking them if they have a headquarter in the state? Those things are not there. Nothing like that. If they fail, if IO fails to organize its own function, they cannot place that blame that the Governor is blocking them. Nothing like that. Because if they fail, if they fall short of doing their own work, and they want to confirm that it’s clear that the Governor is obstructing them, nothing like that.” he lamented.