23/03/2025
SPLM-IO says Unity State education minister arrested in Juba
National Security Service (NSS) agents arrested Tot Jock Chieng, Unity State’s Minister of General Education, at Juba Airport on Friday as he attempted to board a UN flight to Bentiu, SPLM-IO has said.
Chieng, a member of the SPLM-IO, was traveling with Unity State’s Deputy Governor Tor Tungwar Kueiguong when NSS blocked their departure. While Kueiguong was allowed to return home, Chieng was detained and taken to an undisclosed location.
SPLM-IO’s Unity State spokesperson, Dhoal Koryom Linding, condemned the arrest, calling it unjustified and part of a pattern of detaining opposition officials. The Office of the First Vice President also confirmed the incident, demanding Chieng’s immediate release.
Government officials have not commented on the matter. The arrest comes amid rising tensions between the government and SPLM-IO, following recent clashes between SSPDF and opposition forces in Nasir County.
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