South Sudanese authorities have arrested at least 22 opposition figures amid escalating violence in Upper Nile. Human Rights Watch has criticized these actions for lacking transparency and legal grounding, urging authorities to adhere to due process. The worsening situation has sparked calls for international intervention to protect human rights and stabilize the political climate.
South Sudanese authorities have apprehended at least 22 political and military figures following violent confrontations that commenced in mid-February 2025 between governmental forces and armed groups in Upper Nile. Human Rights Watch has characterized these events as indicative of a significant political crisis within the country.
Nyagoah Tut Pur, a South Sudan researcher for Human Rights Watch, expressed that, “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.” He urged authorities to disclose the status of detainees and uphold their due process rights in a fair judicial setting.
Since March 4, individuals affiliated with Riek Machar, the First Vice President and leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), have been detained. This coincides with escalating violence and a political crisis in Nasir, Upper Nile, which is the base for Machar’s supporters.
Human Rights Watch emphasizes that the South Sudanese government must suspend enforced disappearances and ensure that all detained opposition members are accorded proper legal rights. Notably, on March 4, Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam was arrested alongside five bodyguards—whose current situation remains uncertain.
On March 5, the National Security Service (NSS) apprehended Puot Kang Chol, the petroleum minister, along with seven others without explanation. They were initially held at the NSS Riverside facility before being transferred to the NSS headquarters, referred to as Blue House.
The NSS continued its arrest campaign, detaining high-ranking officials including Thomas Jal Thomas, who was briefly held before his release. Reports indicate that the NSS also apprehended peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol and detained Mam Pal Dhuor at the airport as he attempted to travel abroad.
The situation in Nasir has deteriorated, with reports of armed assaults on UN helicopters on March 7, resulting in casualties among military personnel. On the same day, military forces were deployed to key junctions around the capital, Juba, amid ongoing tension.
Human Rights Watch notes that, as of March 10, there are documented cases of 22 individuals linked to SPLA-IO being held by the NSS and Military Intelligence. Reacting to inquiries, government spokespersons offered limited explanations for the arrests.
Human Rights Watch highlighted the NSS’s historical lack of accountability and oversight, calling for a legal framework that adheres to international human rights standards. It is advocated that government officials immediately justify the arrests publicly and provide detainees access to an independent judicial review.
The international community, including notable organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union, are encouraged to advocate for human rights in South Sudan and the cessation of arbitrary detentions, said Human Rights Watch. Pur reiterated, “South Sudanese authorities should cease arbitrary detention of opposition members and other actions that amount to harassment…”
In light of the recent detentions in South Sudan, the need for transparency and adherence to legal protocols in governance is critical. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the escalating crisis due to unlawful arrests, emphasizing the imperative for immediate government action to uphold human rights, ensure the safety of detained individuals, and promote political stability. The situation calls for urgent intervention from the international community to advocate for a resolution and reinforce human rights standards in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
