Upper Nile authorities ban armed escorts for SPLM primary candidates

Authorities in Upper Nile State have banned aspiring candidates from moving around Malakal with armed security escorts, limiting each candidate to two security personnel at their residence ahead of the SPLM primaries scheduled to begin on 29 October.

The directives were issued during the second extraordinary meeting of the State Security Committee, chaired by the caretaker governor on 25 October, to discuss security arrangements ahead of the primaries.

Under the resolutions, each aspirant is permitted to have only two security personnel at their place of residence, while armed escorts accompanying candidates around town are prohibited.

The committee also banned the unauthorised movement and deployment of armed personnel around primary election venues.

It directed armed personnel accompanying candidates to cooperate with security authorities and report to their respective units upon arrival in Malakal for identification and verification.

The committee said the measures were intended to prevent confrontations, intimidation and other security incidents that could threaten candidates, delegates and members of the public.

It warned that anyone who violates the directives could face legal action under applicable laws and regulations.

“No individual should consider themselves above the law,” the committee stated in its resolutions.

The caretaker governor urged all aspiring candidates to prioritise peace, unity and the interests of the people of Upper Nile State over personal political ambitions.

The committee also called on all stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies and comply with the directives to ensure the primaries take place in a peaceful and orderly environment.

The resolutions were signed by the chairperson and secretary of the State Security Committee, with copies distributed to aspiring candidates, security agencies and the chairperson of the SPLM Organising Committee.