The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), an advocacy organization, has stated that the Greater Bibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has violated the recently concluded Governors’ Forum by arresting five local chiefs and holding them in police cells beyond the time limit set by South Sudan Constitution of 2011, as amended.
CPA Executive Director Ter Manyang Gatwech said they have received credible reports regarding the arrest of the five local chiefs ordered by the chief administrator on 15 November.
“The chief administrator has actively participated in the recent 8th Governors’ Forum where one of the recommendations emphasized respect for human rights. These local chiefs were held in a police cell for longer than the 24 hours mandated by the South Sudan Constitution of 2011, as amended,” the statement reads in part. “This detention constitutes a gross violation of human rights by the authorities in the Greater Bibor Administrative Area on November 15th, 2024. One of the resolutions calls for the government of South Sudan and the Three Areas Administration to respect human rights and fulfill their obligations by promoting and protecting them at all levels of government.”
“The five local chiefs were released on Saturday without any charges and GPAA remains a priority for the CPA to promote and protect human rights in counties, payams, and bomas, ensuring that citizens can enjoy the fundamental rights bestowed upon them by God,” the statement added.
CPA also reminded the Government of South Sudan to release funding to the South Sudan Human Rights Commission so that it can fulfill its mandate as required by the constitution.