NPM accuses Governor Adil of blocking approved rally

The National Patriotic Movement (NPM) has accused Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony of violating political freedoms by blocking the party from holding a rally in Lainya County despite securing the required approvals, a claim the governor’s office has not yet responded to.

The allegations come amid growing concerns by opposition parties and civil society groups over what they describe as a shrinking political and civic space despite repeated assurances from President Kiir that all registered political parties should be allowed to operate freely and prepare for elections.

Speaking to Eye Radio, NPM Chairperson Dr. Issa Muzamil said the party had secured clearance from the Political Parties Council and relevant security agencies to conduct a public awareness rally following its official name change from the National Patriotic Party (NPP) to the National Patriotic Movement (NPM).

He said the party even rescheduled the event from July 18 to July 25 after learning that Governor Adil intended to visit Lainya around the same period.

According to Dr. Muzamil, the party formally notified the governor of the revised date, but the rally was allegedly stopped at the last minute by county authorities while the governor and the Lainya County Commissioner were away on an official visit to Uganda.

“We obtained all the necessary approvals, but at the last minute our rally was blocked. We have written several letters and sought a meeting with the governor, but he has neither responded nor agreed to meet us,” Dr. Muzamil told Eye Radio.

He alleged that Governor Adil, who also serves as SPLM Chairperson in Central Equatoria State, deliberately prevented the rally because of fears that the opposition party was gaining support in the area.

“They believe many people are joining our party, and they fear we would attract more supporters before the governor’s own visit. This is simply political rivalry,” he alleged.

Dr. Muzamil argued that the incident contradicts President Kiir’s public commitment to guarantee equal political space ahead of the elections.

During the launch of the National Elections Commission’s voter education campaign, President Kiir and other senior officials urged all political parties to freely engage citizens as part of preparations for the polls.

“The President, the National Elections Commission and other leaders have all said political parties are free to conduct their activities. What is happening in Lainya goes against those directives,” Dr. Muzamil said.

The NPM leader further described the alleged obstruction as part of a wider pattern of restrictions on political and civic freedoms, warning that such actions risk undermining public confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.

“This is sabotage by individuals within the system. It is not the government’s position. We want this matter brought to the attention of the President because the country belongs to all South Sudanese, not to one governor or one commissioner,” he said.

The allegations come as political parties continue preparations for the country’s anticipated elections, with concerns persisting over whether all political actors will be afforded equal access to campaign, mobilize supporters and engage voters without interference.

Eye Radio contacted the office of Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony and Lainya County authorities several times for comment on the allegations, but there was no immediate response.