SendOctober 17, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – Eng. Charles B. Kisanga, the Secretary General of the SPLM-DC today expressed concern over the growing intimidation and arrest of its members across south Sudan.
- SPLM-DC SG Charles Kisanga (photo M. Mayom)
Speaking at his office in Arkwit, a Khartoum Suburb, Charles told Sudan Tribune about growing tendency by southern Sudan ruling party to engage in a culture of intimidation and violence, is unacceptable.
"It is regrettable that the ruling southern party (SPLM) cadres can disrupt a press briefing being conducted by people who have the right to hold such briefings," he said.
He said recent attempts to establish SPLM-DC regional offices in south Sudan have witnessed a growing inclination to try and coerce potential members through violence and other undemocratic means.
"Sadly, in many such instances, there have hardly been many audible voices from senior party authorities of the concerned political party condemning the violence or making clear efforts to restrain their cadres from indulging in it," said Eng. Charles Kisanga.
"This shows the ruling party in the South spearheads all these intimidations and threats with regular arrest of our supporters in the region, he said adding some of their supporters are being held by southern security elements in Wau and Yambio while wanting to meet state governors."
The former foreign minister Dr Lam Akol, founded last June the SPLM-DC after a long silent crisis with his former party, the SPLM. He said he wants to save the SPLM from the "abyss" and said that its leadership is "bankrupt" and "undemocratic".
The SPLM-DC since its inception as dissident party from the SPLM accuses regularly the Southern Sudan ruling party of arresting its membership and obstructing its activities in the ten states of the South and Blue Nile.
However the SPLM and authorities in the semi-autonomous region reject these allegations and accuse the SPLM –DC of being manipulated by the National Congress party to discredit its reputation.
Samuel Deng, senior member of the SPLM in the northern Sector, during a separate interview at its premises Amarat today refuted SPLM-DC claims saying they are allegations without substantial evidence.
He said the role of parties and individuals seeking office is to sell their manifestos and convince the supporters as to why they offer the best alternatives.
"I come from Wau and have never seen members of the so called SPLM-DC being intimidated. Let alone the repeatedly media claimed arrest," he said.
He said SPLM being the ruling party in the South respects provisions contained in the interim constitution of the Southern Sudan and as stipulated in the CPA. He said freedom of expression is expressly guaranteed as one of the civil and political rights South Sudan.
"Individuals are free to use any medium, including the press, to make known their views on any issues affecting them without undue interference, interruption or disruption by those that may hold contrary," he adds.
However, he acknowledged existence of rampant tribal mentalities in the region saying tribalism is a cancer that has the potential to divide the nation and cause anarchy and despondency.
(ST)
Long live Southern Sudan People
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