South Sudanese authorities have detained at least 22 political and military personnel following violent clashes in Upper Nile. Human Rights Watch denounces the lack of transparency regarding these arrests, urging the government to reveal the detainees’ whereabouts and to respect their due process rights. The arrests coincide with escalating political tensions in the region, prompting calls for international oversight and intervention.
In South Sudan, authorities have arrested a minimum of 22 political and military figures amid violent clashes that commenced in mid-February 2025 between government forces and armed groups in Upper Nile. This surge in detentions has exacerbated the ongoing political crisis in the region, according to Human Rights Watch. “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,” reported Nyagoah Tut Pur, a South Sudan researcher at the organization.
The detainees, aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), have been arrested following clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile. These conflicts have displaced thousands of civilians, especially affecting Machar’s supporters in a region marked by tension with President Kiir’s administration. Human Rights Watch urges the immediate cessation of enforced disappearances associated with these detentions to uphold the rights of those impacted.
Key arrests began on March 4, when Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, deputy chief of staff and acting chief of staff for SPLA-IO, along with five bodyguards, was detained. Their current whereabouts remain unknown, with enforced disappearance defined under international law, prohibiting such actions unequivocally. On March 5, National Security Service (NSS) officers forcibly took petroleum minister Puot Kang Chol and others from his residence, leading to further concerns about wrongful detainment and violations of due process principles.
Subsequent arrests following the clash included Thomas Jal Thomas, deputy inspector general of police, who was held briefly along with other government officials and released shortly after. Notably, minister of peacebuilding, Stephen Par Kuol, was also apprehended and later released, illustrating the pervasive climate of fear and uncertainty surrounding government officials. On March 6, SPLA-IO member Mam Pal Dhuor was detained at the Juba airport while attempting to travel, reflecting the indiscriminate nature of these arrests.
The situation escalated on March 7 when armed groups attacked a UN helicopter on a mission in Nasir, resulting in the death of a crew member and worsening the crisis. In this context, President Kiir’s government continues to militarily mobilize and reinforce control over strategic regions, suggesting a preparation for potential increased conflict. Reports confirm that 22 individuals affiliated with SPLA-IO remain unaccounted for, with the NSS increasingly scrutinized for failing to provide transparency.
Despite being contacted, representatives from the NSS and military have remained silent regarding the allegations of unlawful detentions. Human Rights Watch has consistently urged South Sudanese authorities to justify the arrests and ensure all detainees are presented before independent judicial authorities promptly. The organization contends that any arrests should be grounded in law and subjected to independent legal review to counter potential abuses of power.
Further complicating the situation, the current operational framework of the National Security Service enables significant legal overreach, with critics alleging a systematic pattern of torture, wrongful detainment, and violations against human rights. Therefore, calls for reform are necessary to align the service’s activities with constitutional and human rights standards, as noted by Human Rights Watch. The international community must remain vigilant and advocate for compliance with human rights norms and the cessation of politically motivated arrests.
The recent wave of arrests in South Sudan highlights significant concerns regarding human rights and the political landscape. Authorities are urged to ensure accountability and transparency by disclosing the whereabouts of detained individuals and adhering to due process rights. The international community is called to pressure the South Sudanese government to halt arbitrary detentions and to respect online and offline freedoms. Given the fragile state of the region, it is imperative that measures are taken to restore stability and uphold human dignity.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
