Escalating Political Crisis in South Sudan: Detentions and Human Rights Concerns
South Sudanese authorities have arrested at least 22 political and military individuals amid rising violence in Upper Nile. Human Rights Watch criticizes the lack of transparency and calls for adherence to due process rights. Key figures, including Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, have been detained by the National Security Service. The international community is urged to advocate for the protection of human rights in South Sudan.
In South Sudan, authorities have detained at least 22 political and military figures amid escalating violence that erupted in mid-February 2025 in Upper Nile. This situation has led to a severe political crisis, as articulated by Nyagoah Tut Pur from Human Rights Watch, who emphasized the need for transparency and due process regarding these arrests.
The recent detentions, particularly those associated with the First Vice President Riek Machar, align with ongoing political upheaval in Nasir, where clashes between government forces and armed militias have displaced numerous civilians. The government is urged to reveal the status of those detained and to ensure their legal rights are upheld without delay.
Among the notable arrests was Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, the acting chief of staff for Machar’s faction, who was detained along with his bodyguards. Such enforced disappearances are viewed as serious violations under international law, necessitating immediate action from the authorities to remedy this situation.
On March 5, armed officers of the National Security Service (NSS) removed Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol from his residence along with several others, raising concerns over unlawful detentions. Following their initial capture, these individuals were transferred between various NSS facilities, where their rights remain unacknowledged.
The NSS continued its crackdown by detaining other key figures and has operated with little judicial oversight, fostering an environment of impunity. Media outlets reported further arrests, amplifying the call for accountability and clarity regarding the motivations behind these actions.
As tensions persist, particularly following attacks on UN humanitarian efforts in Nasir, there is an urgent demand for the South Sudanese government to provide justification for the arrests and ensure detainees are presented before an independent judicial authority. The international community is likewise encouraged to advocate for the protection of human rights in South Sudan as the situation continues to develop.
The recent detentions in South Sudan have raised significant concerns about human rights violations and the rule of law in the country. With at least 22 individuals, including prominent political figures, arrested under dubious circumstances, organizations like Human Rights Watch call for transparency and respect for due process. The international community’s involvement is vital to ensure that the South Sudanese government adheres to its obligations regarding human rights and civil liberties.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
