South Sudan has seen the arrest of at least 22 political and military personnel amid violence in Upper Nile. Human Rights Watch condemns the lack of transparency and due process in these detentions as the situation worsens politically. Arrests involve associates of First Vice President Riek Machar, raising serious human rights concerns. The international community is urged to hold authorities accountable and protect human rights in South Sudan.
Authorities in South Sudan have detained at least 22 political and military figures amid violent clashes that began in mid-February 2025 in Upper Nile, as reported by Human Rights Watch. This troubling situation has exacerbated the political crisis unfolding in the country, raising concerns regarding the legality and transparency of the arrests.
Nyagoah Tut Pur, a South Sudan researcher for Human Rights Watch, stated, “The lack of transparency and legitimate concerns about the legality of the arrests and detention of opposition leaders and others fuel instability in an already fragile security context.” The organization emphasized that the government must disclose information regarding the detainees’ conditions and uphold their due process rights by facilitating appropriate legal proceedings.
Among those arrested are associates of First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). Tensions intensified as clashes between government forces and the White Army militia in Nasir led to significant civilian displacement, highlighting Machar’s continued opposition to President Kiir’s governance.
Human Rights Watch called for the immediate cessation of enforced disappearances and incommunicado detention of opposition figures detained since early March. Military authorities apprehended Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, deputy chief of staff of the unified army, and five of his bodyguards. Their current whereabouts remain unconfirmed.
On March 5, National Security Service (NSS) officers forcibly removed Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and seven others from his residence without explanation. Subsequently, these individuals were taken to NSS facilities, and their fates became uncertain, raising alarm about their safety.
Additionally, on March 6, NSS detained police officials Thomas Jal Thomas and James Duop Gatleak, but released them after only a few hours. That same day, Stephen Par Kuol, the peacebuilding minister, was also arrested but released the following day.
Violence escalated further on March 7 when armed factions attacked a UN helicopter in Nasir, resulting in casualties among both soldiers and UN personnel. Moreover, military forces were deployed to strategic road junctions around the capital, Juba, indicating increased tension and security measures in response to the unrest.
Puok Both Baluang, a spokesperson for Riek Machar, confirmed numerous detainees affiliated with SPLA-IO. Reports indicate that arrests continue, including that of Gatwech Lam Puoch on March 11. Authorities like the NSS have appeared unresponsive to inquiries regarding these actions.
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth suggested that arrests were justified, while the NSS claimed to have apprehended individuals connected to the violence. However, the NSS carries a reputation for operating without adequate legal oversight and is associated with human rights abuses, including unlawful detentions and torture.
Human Rights Watch urged the South Sudanese government to reform the NSS and align its operations with constitutional law and international human rights standards. Furthermore, the government must disclose the reasons for recent detentions, allowing independent legal review of the arrests to determine whether they can be sustained.
Calls from the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, have emerged, urging South Sudanese officials to safeguard human rights and halt enforced disappearances. Nyagoah Tut Pur remarked, “South Sudanese authorities should cease arbitrary detention of opposition members and other actions that amount to harassment.” The situation remains serious, requiring immediate attention to restore political stability and human rights in the region.
In summary, the South Sudanese government has detained numerous opposition figures amidst a severe political crisis marked by violence in Upper Nile. Human Rights Watch condemns the lack of transparency and due process in these arrests, urging authorities to reveal the fates of the detainees and abide by legal standards. Calls from both local and international entities emphasize the need for urgent reform regarding the operations of the National Security Service to prevent further human rights violations in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
