The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has threatened to shut down its activities in Western Bahr el Ghazal state if its state coordinator is not released from jail.
CEPO’s state coordinator Stephen Robo was arrested along with at least six other civil society activists last weekend after they petitioned the Wau mayor over abuses committed by security forces.
Edmund Yakani, CEPO’s executive director, said Monday that his organization will close projects if Robo isn’t released, including installation of a power source at the State Ministry of Social Welfare, training staff at the planning and budget department of the state ministries, support for a new girl’s education law, and opening of a National Centre for Peace.
He also said they had developed a plan to open a public library and to support orphans.
Yakani said they won’t be able to do these projects because Robo needs to present papers to the state government for approval of these projects.
Robo remains in jail along with other activists though some have been released.
Yakani’s statement, in Arabic, is available to listen below.
Related:
Wau authorities arrest 7 civil society activists who protested abuses by security forces (30 Nov.)