Authorities in South Sudan have detained at least 22 opposition leaders and military personnel amid violent clashes in Upper Nile, contributing to a political crisis. Human Rights Watch has criticized the lack of transparency surrounding these arrests and emphasized the need for due process. Calls for international action and revisions to government practices regarding security service authority have been made to enhance human rights compliance.
In recent developments in South Sudan, authorities have apprehended at least 22 political and military figures amid escalating violence that commenced in mid-February 2025 in Upper Nile. This has contributed to a severe political crisis in the nation, as reported by Human Rights Watch.
Nyagoah Tut Pur, a South Sudan researcher at Human Rights Watch, highlighted the detrimental effect of a lack of transparency regarding these arrests, stating that it exacerbates instability in an already fragile context. He urged the authorities to disclose the locations of detainees and uphold their rights to due process, including access to an impartial court.
The detentions, commencing on March 4, primarily involve affiliates of First Vice President Riek Machar, who leads the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). These events occur concurrently with political instability in Nasir, where fierce clashes between government forces and the White Army, a local militia, have displaced numerous civilians.
Human Rights Watch has called for the immediate cessation of enforced disappearances of detainees connected to the opposition and for full adherence to their due process rights. Details emerged of the arrest of Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, the SPLA-IO acting chief of staff, while other significant individuals, including the petroleum minister and peacebuilding minister, were detained in similar operations.
Further incidents included the arrest of several police officials and leaders, demonstrating the extent of the crackdown. Activities in Nasir have intensified with armed attacks resulting in fatalities among UN personnel attempting rescue missions, prompting the government to deploy military forces strategically in key locations around Juba.
Reports indicate that multiple arrests occurred, leading to substantial concerns from family members and associates regarding the detainees’ safety and transparency in their legal proceedings. The National Security Service has been criticized for operating without adequate legal oversight, engaging in enforced disappearances, and perpetrating violence against detainees.
Calls for the government to revise its legal framework surrounding state crimes and security service authority are emphasized by Human Rights Watch. The organization calls for accountability and legal scrutiny to ensure that recent arrests are justified and that detainees are treated in compliance with international human rights standards.
The international community is urged to intervene, emphasizing the necessity for the South Sudanese government to respect human rights and cease arbitrary arrests of opposition individuals. Nyagoah Tut Pur stressed the importance of international actors promoting human rights obligations, aiming ultimately to de-escalate the prevailing political tensions and conflict within the country.
The recent detentions in South Sudan of political and military figures highlight severe concerns regarding human rights and the rule of law. The crackdown on individuals affiliated with the opposition raises alarms about enforced disappearances and due process violations. An urgent call for international intervention emphasizes the need for the South Sudanese authorities to prioritize human rights over oppressive practices, aiming for a restoration of stability and transparency in governance.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
