South Sudanese security authorities have arrested or detained several senior military officials affiliated with the opposition SPLA-IO (Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition) and SSOA (South Sudan Opposition Alliance) parties, as political and security tensions escalate in Juba.
A confidential report obtained by Radio Tamazuj details the detentions. Below are the key figures affected and the context surrounding the detentions:
Detained Generals:
- Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam
- Roles: Co-chair of the Joint Defense Board (JDB), Deputy Chief of Staff of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), and acting Chief of Staff of the SPLA-IO.
- Details: Initially arrested at Bilpham, the army’s main command center, and later transferred to the Southern Military Command prison near the University of Juba. His arrest is seen as significant due to his senior position and leadership role within the SPLA-IO, led by Dr. Riek Machar.
- Gen. Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok
- Role: Inspector General of the SSPDF.
- Details: Placed under house arrest and stripped of his security detail.
- Gen. Wesley Welebe
- Role: Assistant Chief of Staff for Supply.
- Details: Under house arrest without security guards.
- Gen. Ashhab Khamis Fahal
- Role: Assistant Chief of Staff for Moral Orientation.
- Details: Similarly placed under house arrest and deprived of his security detail.
- Gen. Garang Ayii Akol
- Roles: Director General of Procurement at the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and a representative of the SSOA.
- Details: Under house arrest without security.
Reasons Behind the detentions:
No official explanations have been provided by South Sudanese authorities for the arrests. However, the detentions occur against a backdrop of heightened political and security tensions, particularly in the three states controlled by the SPLM-IO: Western Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Upper Nile. Analysts suggest the detentions may be linked to recent unrest in these states, as well as challenges in implementing the 2018 peace agreement.
Calls for Action:
A report by the opposition SPLA-IO outlines several recommendations to address the situation:
- Immediate Release of Detainees: The government should release all detained officials, ensure their safety and legal rights, and withdraw troops surrounding Dr. Riek Machar’s residence.
- Transparent Investigation: An independent and transparent investigation into the arrests should be conducted, with accountability for any legal violations.
- Dialogue and Reconciliation: All parties in South Sudan must recommit to dialogue and national reconciliation to rebuild trust and stability.
- Regional and International Involvement: The regional and international community should pressure the government to protect detainees’ rights, de-escalate tensions, and resume full implementation of the peace agreement.