South Sudan has arrested 22 political and military figures amid escalating violence in Upper Nile. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the legality of these detentions, urging the government to ensure due process rights and demand transparency. The ongoing political turmoil highlights serious implications for human rights and governance in the country.
Authorities in South Sudan have detained at least 22 political and military officials, primarily affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar, amidst violent clashes in Upper Nile that erupted in February 2025. The situation has intensified the country’s ongoing political crisis, raising concerns regarding the legality and transparency of the arrests, according to Human Rights Watch.
Human Rights Watch emphasizes the need for the South Sudanese government to ensure the due process rights of the detainees, including revealing their fate and whereabouts and providing access to an impartial judicial system. The arrests coincide with escalating violence between governmental forces and armed groups, leading to significant civilian displacement.
Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, deputy chief of staff for the unified army structures, was among those detained on March 4, along with his bodyguards. Meanwhile, other prominent figures, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol, have faced similar detentions by the National Security Service (NSS).
The situation in Nasir has worsened, with reported armed attacks impacting UN relief efforts and withdrawals of military personnel. The arrests, coupled with hostile military deployments in critical regions, point to a deteriorating security environment and ongoing harassment of political opponents.
Human Rights Watch advocates for immediate action from the South Sudanese government to address enforced disappearances and illegal detentions. The strategic critique includes calls for a reevaluation of the National Security Service’s powers, which have historically undermined constitutional protections and international human rights standards.
The article underscores that the government’s actions have implications for human rights and civil freedoms, with repeated instances of arrests on charges such as treason affecting political expression. Calls for transparency and accountability in legal processes are paramount, as is the involvement of international bodies to pressure the South Sudanese administration to commit to protecting human rights effectively.
The recent detentions of opposition leaders and military personnel in South Sudan signify a critical threat to political stability and human rights. With at least 22 individuals arrested without transparency, Human Rights Watch underscores the urgent need for the government to respect due process rights and align its actions with international human rights standards. The situation demands immediate international attention to advocate for the cessation of arbitrary detentions and uphold democratic principles in a beleaguered political landscape.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
