Skip to main content
JUBA - 7 Oct 2018

Authorities negotiate peaceful end to standoff at security detention

File photo: Minister of Interior Michael Chiangjiek
File photo: Minister of Interior Michael Chiangjiek

South Sudan government said it has negotiated a peaceful end to the standoff at the headquarters of National Security Service.

The riot started on Sunday morning after inmates disarmed guards to protest against lengthy detentions without trial.

Minister of Interior Michael Chiangjiek said in a statement that the government managed to de-escalate the situation at the Blue House detention facility.

“The security committee went there this morning because we wanted to avoid a disaster. We managed to negotiate with them [inmates] and finally they surrendered their rifles peacefully. The situation is calm and all of them are in detention,” he said.

The minister pointed out that the stand-off started when one detainee, Kerbino Wol, overpowered a security guard at the detention centre's entrance and seized his gun.

Kerbino told Radio Tamazuj this morning that anger and frustration due to lengthy detentions without trial was a significant factor behind the riot at the detention centre at Blue House.

He said the prisoners are held without trial.

Last week, President Salva Kiir ordered the release of all prisoners of war and political detainees as part of the signed peace deal.