Leaders representing seven Acholi clans have issued a protest letter condemning what they perceive as the “wrongful arrest” and detention of the Commissioner of Magwi County, Otto David Remson and Oringa Daniel.”
The signatories of the letter include George Oyet Odoo (Agoro), Paul Okumu (Obbo), Bosco Otim Mario (Pajok), Collins Okeny (Panyikwara), David Anywar (Magwi), Samuel Okeng (Omeo), and George Okuna (Palwar).
Expressing their concerns, the Acholi community, both in Diaspora and in South Sudan, conveyed their shock and deep concern over the alleged illegal arrest and continued detention of Otto David Remson and Oringa Daniel. In their press statement, they condemned the perceived injustice against their community members, considering them victims of an abuse of power.
The press statement issued on January 4 emphasized, “The commissioner and Oringa were not present at the alleged scene. These wanton behaviours beg the question: how can you really arrest and incarcerate an innocent person?” The leaders pointed out that the arrest not only appeared to be unjust but also raised questions about the abuse of power by those involved.
Highlighting concerns about the violation of both South Sudanese and international laws related to human rights and access to justice, the presser demanded the “immediate and unconditional release of Commissioner Hon. Otto David Remson and Oringa Daniel with immediate effect.”
The South Sudanese Acholi of North America expressed their loss of trust in Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong, stating that he acquiesced to the demands of Gen. William Kuot and Wol Marko.
The community alleges that Governor Lobong’s action of removing the immunity of the innocent Commissioner of Magwi has damaged their cordial relationship and goodwill with him. The Acholi group suggested that Governor Lobong can redeem his reputation by working towards the immediate release and reinstatement of Oringa and Otto David Remson.
Quoting the statement, “He (Governor Lobong) can only redeem his lost reputation and goodwill by exerting his efforts to see to it that Oringa and Hon. Otto David Remson are released and reinstated in his position without delay.”
Additionally, the Acholi communities in Diaspora and South Sudan have directed their youth to suspend the annual football (soccer) tournament in Magwi this year (January 2024) in solidarity with the arrested youth and Commissioner.
The statement alleges that a truck belonging to Gen. William Kuot has been operating for several years in various Payams and Bomas, enticing innocent community members to cut bamboo under the pretence of purchase. The Acholi community claims to have documented over 80 innocent people shot and killed by armed men accompanying the truck between 2016 and 2022.
Concluding their statement, the Acholi group demands an end to the arrests, the release of those incarcerated, and accountability for Major General William Kuot and Wol Marko. The Acholi community calls for justice in the courts for their alleged illegal and unjust behaviour, as well as their roles in the killings of over 80 innocent civilians in Magwi County. Finally, they call upon President Salva Kiir and Governor Louis Lobong to take immediate and appropriate action to rectify the perceived grave injustice.
Magwi County Commissioner David Otto Remson has been in police custody in Juba since last month. He was arrested for alleged involvement in the killing of two business people. In August last year, two businessmen seeking to purchase bamboo in Agoro payam of Magwi County were killed, while two others managed to escape.
South Sudan’s constitution requires detainees to be produced before a court within 24 hours. Despite this, authorities routinely detain suspects for long periods, including during investigations and subsequent trials.
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