South Sudan Opposition Decries ‘State Sponsored Assassination Of MP And Arrest Of Activist William Deng
South Sudan Opposition Decries ‘State-Sponsored’ Assassination of MP and Arrest of Activist William Deng
NAIROBI, Kenya: In a formal statement sent directly to Ethio Insight, The Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Forward (R-SPLM/F) has issued a formal condemnation following the reported arrest of prominent political activist William Deng Dut Koor at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
The detention, which reportedly took place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, has ignited fresh concerns regarding the safety of South Sudanese dissidents operating within the East African region.
The Arrest at JKIA
William Deng Dut Koor, also known by the alias Saddam Abdalla Guma Abdalla, was reportedly apprehended by authorities while transiting through Kenya’s primary international hub. Deng, a resident of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a native of Warrap State’s Twic County, has been a vocal critic of the Juba administration.
In a statement released today, February 6, 2026, the R-SPLM/F characterized the arrest as a “politically motivated act” aimed specifically at intimidating those who advocate for transparency and human rights in South Sudan.
“His courage and dedication to truth have made him a respected voice for the oppressed… Such actions are unacceptable and represent a direct violation of fundamental freedoms,” stated Hon. Nathaniel Garang Adutdit, Chairman of the R-SPLM/F and a candidate for the upcoming 2026 South Sudan general presidential elections.
A Pattern of Transnational Repression?
The R-SPLM/F has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Deng, alongside a full transparent disclosure of the circumstances surrounding his detention. The party also called upon regional bodies and international human rights organizations to hold the Government of South Sudan accountable for what they describe as “continued repression of political activists”.
The incident at JKIA mirrors previous cases where South Sudanese activists have faced disappearance or arrest in Nairobi, raising difficult questions for the Kenyan government regarding its role in protecting political refugees and transiting dissidents.
Profile of the Detained
- Name: William Deng Dut Koor (Saddam Abdalla Guma Abdalla).
- Origin: Turalei, Twic County, Warrap State.
- Status: UAE resident and South Sudanese political activist.
- Advocacy: Known for speaking out against corruption, injustice, and systemic human rights abuses.
As of Friday evening, neither the Kenyan nor South Sudanese authorities have issued an official statement regarding the specific charges or the current location of Mr. Deng.
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