South Sudan: SPLM-IO releases four detainees

By Tapeng Michael Ohure

South Sudan’s main opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition has released four people detained during the conflict in the country.

The release of the people on February 3 was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The ICRC said it used its neutral role to aid the release of the four people.

“We continue to offer our services to all parties to the conflict to act as a neutral intermediary for the release of detainees whenever requested,” Pierre Dorbes, ICRC’s head of delegation in South Sudan said in an email statement. 

 “Our teams on the ground have arranged and ensured the safe transport of these former detainees to Juba, and we are happy they can be reunited with their families,” Dorbes said.

According to the ICRC, it has facilitated the release of 193 people detained in relation to the conflict since the signing of a peace deal in September 2018.

The SPLM-IO and the government are implementing the deal through running a transitional government aimed at returning the country to peace, security and democracy.

The government is expected to organize elections next year.