Arrests of Political Figures Escalate South Sudan’s Political Crisis

South Sudan has seen the arrest of at least 22 political and military personnel amid violent clashes between government forces and armed groups. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns regarding the legality of these detentions, calling for transparency and adherence to due process. The situation remains critical, with rising tensions necessitating international attention towards human rights violations.

In South Sudan, authorities have arrested at least 22 political and military figures following violent clashes between government forces and armed groups in Upper Nile. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that these arrests exacerbate the ongoing political crisis in the country, highlighting concerns over the legality of these detentions and urging the government to ensure the detainees’ due process rights.

The detentions began on March 4 and involve individuals aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). As violence continued in Nasir, where clashes have displaced numerous civilians, the government has cracked down on suspected opposition figures, prompting calls for the immediate revelation of the detainees’ fates.

Notable arrests include Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam and the Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol, who were taken by National Security Service (NSS) officers. Following their detentions, the officers failed to provide information about the detainees, which constitutes enforced disappearance, a violation of international law. Other notable detentions included Deputy Inspector General Thomas Jal Thomas and peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol, who were briefly detained before their release.

On March 7, the situation worsened as armed individuals killed a crew member of a UN helicopter in Nasir. The South Sudanese army has increased deployments around the capital, Juba, aiming to restore security amidst the ongoing unrest. It was reported that 22 individuals linked to Machar remain in custody, with their circumstances being undisclosed.

Government officials have justified these detentions, claiming they are based on credible intelligence linking the detainees to unrest in significant regions. Nevertheless, Human Rights Watch calls for the legal framework surrounding state crimes to be revised, emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional and human rights standards while advocating for detainees’ rights and the cessation of unlawful detentions.

The arrest of numerous opposition figures in South Sudan amid escalating violence raises significant concerns regarding human rights and the legal framework of the state. Human Rights Watch calls for immediate transparency regarding the detainees’ status and cites the critical need for due process. The international community is urged to push for the respect of human rights as tensions rise, advocating against the arbitrary detention of opposition members.

Original Source: www.africa.com