Residents of Lafon County, along with members of SPLM-IO, have voiced their apprehension regarding the significant presence of SSPDF forces led by Major General Ibou during the political campaign of a national member of parliament affiliated with SPLM.

Over the weekend, Abraham Ubur Biengmoi, the SPLM lawmaker in the national assembly, conducted his inaugural political campaign in Lafon county, Eastern Equatoria State, since his appointment to the revitalized parliament. During the campaign, he toured all the payams accompanied by a contingent of military officers representing various ranks and units.

Among the SSPDF officers accompanying him were Brigadier General Ukech Nicola from the Jonglei military division, Colonel Solomon Amongo from the Giada Artillery unit, Colonel Dario Uywa from Military Intelligence, Colonel Tito Ubur from National Security, Captain Albino Ukongo from the Tiger unit, and Colonel Dario Ukor Ulil from the SSPDF Signal division, along with a majority of soldiers escorting the lawmaker.

The majority of SSPDF officers were observed wearing SPLM red T-shirts during the campaign.

Faisal Likale Olum, a prominent member of the SPLM-IO Liberation Council and the chairperson of the party’s youth league, criticized this action, emphasizing the need to separate the army from politics.

“During parliamentary recess, the lawmaker should request a modest escort either from the parliament or other security units, comprising lower-ranking officers. Being accompanied by major generals, colonels, captains, and second lieutenants from various units goes against the agreement. If SPLM-IO is seen moving with their generals today, it raises concerns about the future of peace in the country,” remarked the opposition lawmaker, Olum.

He further stated, “We urge CTSAM and the general chief of staff to promptly address this issue to prevent the rise of militaristic politics in Lafon. Additionally, I call upon Governor Louis Lobong Lojore to advise the national MP, who is also his ally, to refrain from militarizing politics in Lafon. This is a critical time for South Sudan, where efforts are being made to nationalize the army rather than personalize it. Lawmakers in the country should exemplify true leadership by adhering to the law and not violating it.”

The opposition lawmaker expressed concern about this political manoeuvre, emphasizing the need to cease such actions as the country must prioritize politics that foster peace among the civilian population.

Augustine Lijwok, a resident of Lafon and a local chief, confirmed the substantial military presence in the area during the visit of the lawmaker affiliated with the majority ruling party, the SPLM-IG. He expressed his concerns, highlighting that the army’s presence posed a threat to the civilian population.

Lijwok noted that he had never witnessed such an intense political campaign with a heavy military presence, even during the 2010 Sudan general elections and the 2011 referendum.

“They came from Juba, and when they arrived here, one of our honourable MPs started campaigning. All of them were wearing red T-shirts, and I don’t know if it was organized at the national level or elsewhere. It’s true they are all sons of the area, but during the elections in 2010 and the referendum in 2011, I was around, and I didn’t see anything like this. For civilians, it feels like a threat; there are a lot of them, about 30 or so,” Chief Lijwok remarked.

Ungang Micael, the youth leader in Burgilo payam of Lafon County, shared his perspective, stating, “When someone comes to interact with civilians, it’s expected. However, if it’s a campaign or any such activity, and you’re accompanied by someone with military equipment, it can instill fear in the community, which is not ideal. Right now, our essential needs must be addressed. Our area lacks roads connecting Torit to Lafon and Juba. We also require the reopening of the closed health facility, and the issue of water needs attention as we lack functioning boreholes.”

The Lafon County Commissioner, Mengisto Ukachi Agweri, a member of the SPLM party, confirmed receiving the national MP who visited during the recess. He highlighted the challenges faced by the county that require government attention, stating, “On the 11th of January 2024, I welcomed Hon. Abraham Biengmoi Obur, our area MP representing Lafon constituency at the national level, during their recess. After interacting with the community, we have returned to the state with him. The county faces various challenges, including a concerning hunger situation and insufficient drug supply following the withdrawal of support from organizations, leading to downsizing of some facilities.”

Efforts to reach the national MP, Abraham Biengmoi, for comments were unsuccessful as several calls went unanswered.