By Sabri Dibaco
The Former Political Detainees (FDs) have rejected Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng’s remarks, warning against political incitement and violence.
The FDs said Nyandeng’s comments do not represent the group’s official position.
Nyandeng, a senior member of the Former Political Detainees, made the remarks during Kosti Manibe’s funeral.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, FD’s parliamentary whip Isaiah Hakim Garang rejected association with political activities during the funeral.
“We, as former political detainees, are not part of whatever happened during the funeral of [late] Honourable Kosti Manibe. And we are condemning that very strongly,” Garang said.
Garang accused Nyandeng’s remarks of encouraging political confrontation and warned young people against violence.
He said political grievances should be addressed through peaceful and constitutional means, not through violence.
“We know people are facing problems in South Sudan. But we cannot do it through taking guns,” Garang said.
The FDs acknowledged citizens’ right to demonstrate peacefully under constitutional provisions.
However, they rejected efforts to mobilise young people for individual political interests.
“Everyone has the right to demonstrate through the process. This is the right of South Sudanese. But to mobilise and to incite the young people to go out for personal, individual benefit, we are not for that,” he said.
Garang reaffirmed the FDs’ continued membership within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
He also confirmed their participation in the transitional unity government established under the 2018 peace agreement.
“Our position is very clear. We are standing with our president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and the flag bearer of the SPLM,” he said.
The FDs’ position comes amid growing political debate ahead of planned December 2026 elections.
The group’s response follows remarks made by Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior during Kosti Manibe Ngai’s funeral in Juba.
Nyandeng expressed frustration over what she described as South Sudan’s deteriorating political and social conditions.
She questioned the level of oversight surrounding President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Nyandeng also said she could sometimes go years without meeting the president.
She challenged young