The governor of Lakes State, Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor, has summoned Deng Mario Deng, the SPLM-IO-appointed commissioner of Cueibet County, to report to the state headquarters in Rumbek, raising concerns over a leadership vacuum amid escalating communal violence.
Deng, a member of the opposition SPLM-IO led by detained First Vice President Riek Machar, was appointed under the 2018 peace agreement that established a unity government.
Governor Mabor, a member of the ruling SPLM under President Salva Kiir, issued the summons on April 15.
Since Deng’s departure, Cueibet County has faced intercommunal clashes with neighboring areas, including Tonj South, Tonj East, and Rumbek Central, with the executive director serving as acting commissioner.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj in Rumbek on Wednesday, Commissioner Deng confirmed the summons but denied being arrested.
“I was called to Rumbek by the governor, but I do not know if it is an administrative or political matter,” Deng said. “He told me to wait for his return from a visit to Yirol West County.”
Deng, who remains free to move and retains his security detail, said he had not been informed of the reason for the summons.
Meanwhile, civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon warned of rumors that the SPLM plans to replace Deng with one of its own members, exacerbating tensions in area.
“There is a power vacuum in Cueibet while conflicts escalate,” Kon said. “We urge the governor to resolve this quickly.”
Acting Information Minister William Koji said he had no official information regarding the matter.