South Sudan has detained at least 22 political and military personnel amidst ongoing violence in Upper Nile, deepening a political crisis. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the legality of these arrests and called for transparency and due process. The situation has escalated with attacks on UN missions and the heavy presence of security forces in key areas. The international community is urged to advocate for human rights protections in South Sudan.
In South Sudan, authorities have detained at least 22 political and military individuals following violent clashes that erupted in mid-February 2025 between government forces and armed groups. Human Rights Watch has indicated that these arrests deepen the ongoing political crisis in the nation. Concerns regarding the legality and transparency of these detentions have been raised, urging for the immediate disclosure of the detainees’ whereabouts and their due process rights.
The individuals detained since March 4 are supporters of First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). The arrests coincide with significant unrest in Nasir, Upper Nile, where conflicts have displaced thousands of civilians. Notably, Machar has historically opposed President Kiir’s administration.
Human Rights Watch demands that the South Sudanese government immediately cease enforced disappearances, emphasizing strict adherence to due process rights for those detained. Military authorities recently took Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam and six others, including his bodyguards, without revealing their current status, highlighting a potential violation of international law regarding enforced disappearances.
On March 5, armed National Security Service (NSS) personnel arrested Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol along with seven others, including family members, under dubious circumstances. They were initially held at the NSS Riverside facility before being transferred to NSS headquarters. Meanwhile, additional arrests occurred on March 6, including that of police officials Thomas Jal Thomas and James Duop Gatleak, who were briefly detained then released.
Tensions worsened in Nasir following an attack on a UN helicopter, resulting in fatalities among civilians and military personnel. In reaction, the army deployed forces to key road junctions in the region and maintained heavy security around Riek Machar’s residence. By March 10, Human Rights Watch reported that at least 22 individuals connected to SPLA-IO remain unaccounted for, raising concerns about their treatment and detention.
Several prominent opposition figures, including a member of parliament, have also been reported detained recently. The NSS operates with limited oversight, often resulting in enforced disappearances, torture, and ill-treatment. Human Rights Watch calls on the South Sudanese government to reform its security policies and ensure that all arrests comply with constitutional and international human rights standards.
Additionally, it is imperative that the government articulates the reasons for these arrests and that detainees are brought before independent judges to evaluate their legality. The international community is urged to hold the South Sudanese authorities accountable for human rights protections and the cessation of arbitrary detentions, stressing the need for adherence to legal standards during political confrontations.
The political unrest in South Sudan has led to the detention of numerous opposition figures amidst ongoing violence and instability. Human Rights Watch emphasizes the necessity for transparency, adherence to due process rights, and the cessation of enforced disappearances by the authorities. As the situation progresses, international scrutiny and pressure remain crucial in ensuring the protection of human rights and the rule of law in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.africa.com
