South Sudan Arrest: SPLM-IO Youth Leader Detained

SPLM-IO Youth League Member Arrested in Maban

A member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) Youth League faced arrest in Maban County. Military intelligence officers detained the member in Upper Nile State. The opposition group released a statement regarding the incident on Sunday.

The detainee is Anour Shuba Podi, according to the SPLM-IO Youth League. Authorities arrested him on Friday, March 6, around 1:00 p.m. The arrest occurred in Maban County.

Details of the Arrest

Military intelligence personnel detained Podi. They accused him of having direct contact with the SPLA-IO forces. These forces allegedly operate within the area, according to authorities.

However, the SPLM-IO Youth League has rejected the accusation. They described the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated against their member.

The opposition group’s statement condemns the arrest as arbitrary. They are demanding the unconditional release of the detained official. The group feels such actions hinder South Sudan’s development.

SPLM-IO’s Response

The SPLM-IO Youth League leadership further elaborated on Podi’s background. They stated that he is a senior leader within the movement. He has held several leadership positions within the organization.

Podi served as Secretary for Political Mobilisation of the SPLM-IO Youth League chapter in Egypt. This role took place from 2017 to 2019. He also led the SPLM-IO Student League chapter in Egypt.

After returning to South Sudan, Podi became the SPLM-IO County Secretary in Maban, Upper Nile State. The arrest occurred during his tenure.

Concerns about Political Trust

The arrest follows previous complaints by the opposition movement. The complaints involve the detention of its members by security agencies. These incidents have raised concerns.

In October 2025, National Security Service officers arrested Alfred Gatmai Koang. He was the Information Secretary of the SPLM-IO caucus in Mayom County. He was released a day later.

In November 2025, Achieng Maboto, another SPLM-IO member, was detained. He was taken into custody shortly after arriving at Freedom Hall in Juba. He intended to attend a court session.

The SPLM-IO Youth League warned that more arrests could undermine political trust. These actions might strain relations among parties involved in the peace process. Continued arrests are cause for concern.