Riots disrupt SPLM primary in Uror, South Sudan
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Radio Tamazuj
Riots between supporters of Barnaba Marial Benjamin and those of his two rivals interrupted the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement primary in Uror, Jonglei State. The vote to choose the party’s parliamentary candidate for Uror was postponed, Radio Tamazuj reports.
SPLM primary elections in Uror County, South Sudan, have been postponed after riots between supporters of Barnaba Marial Benjamin and those of his two rivals. The violence broke out on Friday during the vote, according to Radio Tamazuj.
The committee of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the ruling party, tasked with overseeing the vote left the county after the unrest. Uror’s caretaker commissioner, Biel Lam Pech, told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday that its members were due to return to Yuai after passing through neighbouring Ayod County.
Barnaba Marial Benjamin, who is seeking re-election to the National Legislative Assembly, said that the ballots cast so far were going into his ballot box. He accused his rivals’ supporters of interrupting the vote and directing voters to another queue. His two rivals, Wany Lam Tuor and Tang Chatim, could not be reached for comment on the accusations.
The primary is to select the SPLM candidate for Uror South Constituency No. 09. It is part of preparations for the party’s national convention and general elections scheduled for December 2026.
