Executive Director of Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), Ter Manyang, has voiced concern over the reported confiscation of communication devices belonging to Interior Minister Angelina Teny, urging the executive to intervene and protect Teny’s privacy, as she is married to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
This week, members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO) claimed in a statement that the National Security Services had taken the devices.
According to Pal Mai Deng, the SPLM-IO spokesperson, the confiscation occurred over the weekend.
Mai reported that Teny’s smartphone, laptop, and internet modem were seized, but the reasons for this action have not been disclosed.
Attempts to contact National Security Services spokesperson David Kumuri for a response were unsuccessful.
Commenting on the incident, Ter Manyang called for respect for privacy and emphasized the importance of transparency.
“We call on the relevant authorities to: Provide a clear and lawful explanation for the confiscation of Hon. Angelina Teny’s communication devices, ensure her rights to privacy, dignity, and legal protection are fully respected, reaffirm their commitment to rule of law, freedom of expression, and peaceful political engagement,” Manyang said.
He highlighted Teny’s contributions to national reconciliation and institutional reform, saying she deserves respect.
“We emphasise that such actions, especially when taken without transparency, risk undermining public trust, chilling democratic dialogue, and potentially violating individual rights enshrined in South Sudan’s constitution and international human rights standards,” he said.
Manyang urged all stakeholders to act with restraint, avoid actions that may escalate tensions, and recommit to dialogue and lawful processes as essential for lasting peace.
Tensions between President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar, who signed the 2018 peace deal, have heightened recently.
Dr. Machar was placed under house arrest in March following conflict in Nasir, but the South Sudan government stated that his wife, Angelina Teny, remains free.
Although the government claims Machar’s arrest has not negatively impacted the peace agreement, his party argues that the detention of Machar and his allies has effectively nullified the deal.
