SPLM political rally held at Wau Stadium in July 2023. (File photo).

The US Ambassador to South Sudan has pointed out incidents in which political freedom was suppressed and activities of political parties were blocked or restricted across the country.

Ambassador Michael J. Adler said the government cannot not deny obvious evidence of restrictions on political freedom in the country.

Among the examples cited by Adler are two situations in Jonglei State; one of which is the reported confiscation of SPLM-IO T-shirts in Ayod County, and an incident in which a political party was told to leave Fangak County.

The U.S. envoy said more must be done to ensure that there is an equal opportunity for political parties during the transitional process.

Adler suggested an environment where parties can express their views and compete for office without any fears of harassment and intimidations.

“The question has been posted. What is political and civic space? I could say affirmatively, political civic space exists when political parties, candidates and individuals can express views,” he said.

“And if they are competing for office, campaign without fear, bulling or intimidations. Providing political and civic space is not confiscation of t-shirts for opponents who happen to hold the wrong logo of the wrong party.”

“It is not the disruption of a political party rally, which occurred in Juba not too long ago. It is not arrest of opposition activists. It is not one party that has been told to leave Fangak County in Jonglei when they had gone up to open an office.”

His remarks come after the government spokesperson, Michael Makuei said on several occasions that there is political and civic space in the country.

In August 2023, Makuei said that parties to the 2018 peace agreement are free to conduct political rallies and campaigns ahead of the 2024 elections.

Meanwhile, in November 2023, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) said its T-shirts and other promotional materials were seized by the authorities in Ayod County, Jonglei State.

The items were later released, and Ayod Commissioner James Chuol told Netherlands-based Radio Tamazuj that the SPLM-IO items were confiscated over inappropriate and provocative writings.