At least 22 political and military personnel have been arrested in South Sudan amidst ongoing violence in Upper Nile, with Human Rights Watch calling for transparency and due process. The detentions coincide with escalating conflict and a political crisis involving First Vice President Riek Machar and President Kiir. HRW demands an end to enforced disappearances and urges the government to uphold human rights during this turbulent time.
In South Sudan, authorities have arrested at least 22 political and military figures amid violent clashes between government forces and armed groups in Upper Nile. These arrests, highlighted by Human Rights Watch, exacerbate the country’s ongoing political crisis. Nyagoah Tut Pur from HRW criticized the lack of transparency regarding the detainees’ legal status, urging that their due process rights must be upheld immediately.
Those detained include supporters of First Vice President Riek Machar, head of the SPLA-IO. Their arrests coincide with escalating violence in Nasir, Upper Nile, where clashes have led to substantial civilian displacement. The ongoing crisis presents significant challenges to a fragile peace agreement between Machar and President Kiir.
HRW emphasizes that the South Sudanese government must cease actions leading to enforced disappearance and unlawful detention. Specifically, the government should ensure adherence to due process for opposition figures detained since early March.
Notable arrests include Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam and others linked to SPLA-IO. Following his detention, his bodyguards were disarmed and taken into custody, with their whereabouts unconfirmed. International law designates such detentions as enforced disappearances, a serious violation.
The situation escalated on March 5, when NSS officers apprehended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and others from his residence without explanation. They were initially held at an NSS facility before being transferred to the headquarters. Similarly, NSS personnel executed arrests of other government officials on March 6, highlighting a broader crackdown on dissent.
Violence continued in Nasir, with reports of an armed attack on a UN helicopter that resulted in fatalities. Following these events, the government deployed additional military forces around Juba amid renewed fears of conflict. As of March 10, the fate of over 22 detainees linked to SPLA-IO remains uncertain, prompting further calls for transparency from the HRW.
Despite calls for accountability, government officers have not responded to inquiries regarding the detentions. HRW criticized the NSS for operating with little oversight, leading to human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and torture. The organization urges the South Sudanese government to align its actions with constitutional and human rights standards.
The government has historically utilized spurious charges to silence political opposition and restrict freedoms of speech and assembly. Immediate public disclosure regarding the rationale for recent arrests is necessary for legal scrutiny under an impartial judicial system.
International bodies, including the UN and African Union, are encouraged to pressure South Sudanese authorities to respect human rights and ensure detainees receive fair judicial processes. “Authorities should cease arbitrary detention of opposition members and not use security institutions as a tool of oppression,” stated Nyagoah Tut Pur.
The recent mass detentions in South Sudan highlight critical human rights concerns, including enforced disappearances and violations of due process. The situation underscores the fragility of political stability in the country, particularly given rising tensions between armed groups and the government. Immediate action is necessary to uphold legal standards and protect the rights of detainees, with strong calls for international advocacy to ensure accountability and justice.
Original Source: www.africa.com
