In a call for action, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has pressed South Sudanese authorities to halt the arbitrary detention of opposition leaders and other related individuals. The appeal follows the arrest of 22 political and military personnel in mid-February, a move that HRW argues is in violation of human rights obligations.
This recent spate of arrests predominantly involves figures affiliated with opposition leaders, notably First Vice President Riek Machar. Among those detained are Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, and Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol. HRW has called on the South Sudanese government to disclose the whereabouts of these individuals and ensure that due process is adhered to, thus addressing growing concerns that these detentions further destabilize an already fragile security landscape.
Nyagoah Tut Pur, a South Sudan researcher at HRW, highlighted the urgent need for transparency. The lack of information regarding the detainees fuels instability and raises legitimate questions about the legality of the detentions. She emphasized the necessity for the detainees to be brought before an impartial judicial body to ensure their rights are protected.
Thus far, the National Security Service (NSS), implicated in the disappearances, has not provided any information regarding the detainees. HRW has long been critical of the broad powers exercised by the NSS, which often lack legal or judicial oversight.
HRW’s statement also urged the international community, including the UN, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to exert pressure on South Sudanese authorities. By doing so, these global bodies can help prevent further arbitrary detentions and ensure that security institutions are not weaponized for political oppression.
The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance defines such disappearances as the deprivation of liberty by state agents, often accompanied by a refusal to acknowledge the detention or disclose the individual’s whereabouts. While South Sudan is not a signatory to this convention, the prohibition on enforced disappearances is an internationally recognized norm.
The timing of these arrests is particularly noteworthy. They occur amidst ongoing clashes between government forces and armed groups in the Upper Nile region, especially in areas loyal to SPLA-IO. These conflicts have led to significant civilian displacement. The situation escalated after armed attackers targeted a UN helicopter on March 7, which was on a rescue mission, resulting in multiple fatalities. This incident has further exacerbated the humanitarian and security challenges faced by South Sudan.