Reports from South Sudan reveal underground plans by Juba, to have the country’s first Vice President, Riek Machar transferred into exile in Uganda by force.
To accomplish that, the National Security Service of South Sudan has just confiscated all electronic devices belonging to the country’s Interior Minister Angelina Teny, the wife of the estranged Machar.
At least, that is according to an official statement from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).
The SPLM-IO says the sudden move came amid unconfirmed reports about authorities’ intention to transfer First Vice President Riek Machar, to Uganda for undisclosed reasons.
On March 26, 2025, the chairman of SPLM/A-IO and the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, was placed under house arrest in Juba.
The move raised widespread concern, with most people viewing it as a provocative action that could escalate violence in the country.
Machar who happens to be the husband of Angelina Teny has remained under house arrest since then.
The confiscation of the minister’s electronic and communication devices occured place at Teny’s residence in Juba on Monday morning of June 9, 2025.
The officers who went round to impound the gadgets did so without clear explanation or justification from the security agencies they were reportedly representing.
In an official response, the government in Juba has so far denied any violation of Angelina Teny’s rights or taking her phones, computers and tablets.
However, the opposition described it as a provocative move threatening political agreements’ stability
But there are safety concerns; the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has expressed deep concern over the wellbeing of both Teny and Machar, particularly after reports of a plan to transfer him to Uganda following a secret meeting between Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
But there are concerns that, it is possible the ‘Uganda Move,’ conceals an even deadlier agenda against Machar, including a target to his life.
Background of the crisis
Angelina Teny has faced informal restrictions since March 2025, having exercised her ministerial duties only twice according to internal sources while her husband, Riek Machar remains under house arrest.
It should also be noted that Angelina Teny was recently appointed Interior Minister after her dismissal as Defense Minister as part of a controversial political deal between the government and the opposition in South Sudan.
Potential repercussions
This move is being described by observers as a sign that it may heighten political tensions among the already fragile peace factions in the country, especially with opposition accusations of violating the rule of law.
So far, no international organizations or institutions have issued any official statement. However, the issue is still new, it therefore being anticipated that continental bodies like the African Union (AU) may soon move in to intervene, especially if the forced transfer of Machar to Uganda, gets confirmed.