Authorities in South Sudan have arrested at least 22 political and military personnel linked to opposition factions amid escalating violence, prompting condemnation from Human Rights Watch. Calls for transparency and adherence to legal norms have emerged, highlighting human rights concerns tied to the arrests. The situation aggravates an already unstable political landscape, necessitating intervention from international bodies to uphold human rights and facilitate political dialogue.
Recent reports indicate that authorities in South Sudan have detained at least 22 political and military figures, escalating an ongoing political crisis following violent clashes between government forces and armed groups. These arrests, noted by Human Rights Watch, raise significant concerns regarding legality and transparency, impacting an already unstable environment in the Upper Nile region.
Nyagoah Tut Pur, a South Sudan researcher at Human Rights Watch, asserted that the transparency deficit surrounding these arrests further exacerbates tensions among the populace. She urged immediate disclosure of the detainees’ status and called for adherence to established legal processes, including fair trials.
The majority of the detained individuals are associated with Riek Machar, the First Vice President and leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). Their arrests coincided with a surge of violence in Nasir, where clashes have caused substantial civilian displacement amid threats from armed groups known as the White Army.
The organization has urged South Sudan’s government to cease enforced disappearance practices related to opposition figures detained since early March and to uphold their rights throughout any legal proceedings. Several prominent figures were arrested, including Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam and petroleum minister Puot Kang Chol, whose detentions have sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
Incidents of detention included the target of Chol, taken alongside several individuals from his home without formal justification, reflecting a trend of indiscriminate arrests. On different occasions, various officials were also detained or briefly held, illustrating a pattern of intimidation against those affiliated with the SPLA-IO.
Meanwhile, violence escalated in Nasir, characterized by an armed attack on a UN helicopter, resulting in fatalities among crew members and soldiers affiliated with the government evacuation. This attack led to heightened military presence around key locations.
On March 5, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth attempted to justify ongoing arrests, claiming they targeted individuals connected to the unrest in the region. However, the actions by the National Security Service (NSS) have raised serious human rights concerns, given their history of unlawful detentions and torture.
Calls for reform have emphasized the need to restrict the NSS’s powers, ensuring that actions align with constitutional guidelines and universal human rights obligations. Past abuses, including accusations of treason or publishing false information against dissenting voices, underline concerns for freedom of expression and assembly.
Human Rights Watch and various international entities have urged the South Sudanese government to disclose the basis for the recent arrests and allow independent judicial review of the detainees. A strong call for cessation of arbitrary detentions highlights the urgent need for a political resolution and respect for human rights amid prevailing tensions in the region.
As the international community continues to monitor the situation, it is imperative for entities such as the UN and African Union to advocate for human rights protections and the cessation of oppressive practices against political opposition in South Sudan.
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious following the detention of numerous political and military personnel linked to the opposition amid a rise in violence. Human Rights Watch has emphasized the need for transparency and due process, urging government reforms to uphold human rights. International bodies are called upon to assist in ensuring accountability for the actions of security forces, fostering an environment conducive to political stability and human rights adherence. The overarching need is for the South Sudanese authorities to cease arbitrary detentions and engage in constructive political dialogue to enhance national stability.
Original Source: www.africa.com
