A relative of former governor Joseph Bangasi Bakasoro says they believe National Security Services arrested him last Tuesday on accusations that he is communicating with armed groups in Western Equatoria state.
The family member said NSS is still not allowing them to visit or speak with him, but said that they have been separately informed that Bakosoro is accused of encouraging Arrow Boys to fight the government.
Baskosoro was arrested after being summoned by NSS and has been held in the internal spy agency’s Jebel headquarters ever since without charge or access to a lawyer.
The relative said they are informed that the former governor will not be allowed to speak with them or be released until an investigation is completed. However, they said they do not know if the investigation has begun yet.
The family member said they are appealing to anyone who can help to monitor and secure Bakosoro’s rights. The relative said they believe Bakosoro is being fed and is not being harmed but they fear for his health because he is on medication.
Bakosoro was ousted from his elected governor’s position by Salva Kiir in August. ‘Arrow Boys’ is an umbrella term for an assortment of armed groups in Western Equatoria, some of whom have clashed with government forces this year.
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