South Sudan National Security Services (NSS) officers abruptly shut the general assembly of medical professionals at the Golden Orchid in Juba on Sunday.
The assembly, the first in nearly eight years, aimed to transfer union assets to a new governing body and tackle critical issues faced by medical practitioners.
Despite having secured all security clearances and adhering to protocol, the NSS officers intervened without explanation, halting the proceedings and ordering attendees—including doctors, dentists, and pharmacists—to vacate the premises immediately.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Dr Emmanuel Gang, a key member of the Central Committee for the South Sudan Doctors’ Union (SSDU) Reform, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity.
“We were told to close the meeting with no reasons given. We were waiting to hear from the Director of the Political Division, but we have yet to meet with him,” Dr Gang said.
The unexpected shutdown has fueled outrage and confusion among the medical community.
The Joint Planning Committee (JPC) was set to meet with the Director of the Political Division of the NSS on Monday to uncover the motives behind the meeting disruption.
The Central Committee for the South Sudan Doctors’ Union Reform urged the members to remain calm and await further instructions following the anticipated meeting with the NSS Director.
The National Security Service law gives the security agency the right to arrest suspected criminals without a warrant.
Several rights groups say the law passed by South Sudan’s parliament on 3 July 2024 risks undermining human rights and strengthening the National Security Service (NSS)’s abusive powers. Under it, the agency would retain the power to arrest people with or without an arrest warrant.