South Sudanese authorities have detained at least 22 political figures amid increased violence in Upper Nile. Human Rights Watch emphasizes concerns over legality and transparency of these arrests. Notable detainees include a high-ranking military officer and government ministers. The situation remains unstable as international observers call for accountability and adherence to human rights standards.
Authorities in South Sudan have arrested at least 22 political and military members following violent clashes in Upper Nile. These arrests have amplified the country’s ongoing political crisis. Nyagoah Tut Pur from Human Rights Watch highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding these detentions, emphasizing the need for authorities to clarify the status of detainees and uphold their due process rights.
Among those arrested are supporters of First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the SPLA-IO, coinciding with escalating conflicts in Nasir that have displaced thousands. The political landscape remains tense as government forces clash with armed groups. The South Sudanese government is urged to halt enforced disappearances of opposition figures and ensure legal rights for all detainees.
On March 4, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, acting chief of Staff for SPLA-IO, was detained alongside his bodyguards, raising concerns of enforced disappearance under international law. On March 5, the National Security Service (NSS) arrested Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and seven others without explanation, detaining them at various locations, including the NSS Riverside facility and the Blue House.
The following day, NSS officers apprehended Minister Stephen Par Kuol and his staff, but they were released shortly after. Another SPLA-IO member, Mam Pal Dhuor, was also arrested at the airport on March 6. The situation worsened in Nasir, with armed attacks on UN missions resulting in casualties, further escalating tension.
Statements from the government suggested ongoing security operations, citing intelligence-led arrests connected to disturbances in Nasir. Lawyers and rights organizations noted the NSS’s lack of oversight, with concerns about unlawful practices, including enforced disappearances.
Human Rights Watch called on the South Sudanese government to refine the legal framework governing the NSS to align with constitutional and international standards. Historically, the government has employed accusations of treason and misinformation to suppress opposition and criticism. There are demands for transparency about arrest justifications and independent judicial review of detentions.
International organizations are urged to hold South Sudan accountable for human rights violations and encourage adherence to due process. Pur reiterated the need for cessation of arbitrary detentions and oppressions by state institutions, advocating for active pressure from the international community to ensure human rights are respected amidst rising political tensions.
The recent arrests in South Sudan expose serious issues regarding the treatment of opposition members and the rule of law. With over 22 arrests amid violent conflicts, the government faces mounting pressure to adhere to human rights standards and ensure the legal rights of detainees. Calls from Human Rights Watch highlight the necessity for transparency, due process, and an immediate end to enforced disappearances. The response from the international community will be critical in influencing the government’s commitment to uphold human rights and resolve political tensions.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
