Activists demand end to shrinking political and civil spaces in Rumbek

Acting Chairperson of Civil Society Organization Network (CISON) Hakim C.Awur (Photo:Radio Tamazuj)

The network of civil society organizations in Rumbek is calling on Western Lakes governor to end what they termed as harassment and arbitrary arrests of politicians and innocent civilians.

The network of civil society organizations in Rumbek is calling on Western Lakes governor to end what they termed as harassment and arbitrary arrests of politicians and innocent civilians.

Hakim Chipuounyuc Awur, the acting chairperson of the Civil Society Organization Network (CISON) in a press statement on Friday said they are concerned with recent developments in the state where Governor John Deng Mamer Yuol has dismissed elected leaders from their posts and detained others.

“We will be appreciative to the national government if they investigate the dismissal of our civil servants being decreed out by the governor in their various positions from Juba and Wau coordination offices of which they were being appointed by the public service but not as political post holders,” Awur said.   

The activists also called for the immediate release of the former speaker Marik Nanga Marik whom they claim is in detention in Rumbek North, failure to which he should be presented before a court of law.

Awur further appealed to the state government to preach peace among the communities and protect and respect citizens’ rights.