A leading Juba-based civil rights group has demanded the release of activist Driuni Jikada Driuni who has disappeared in as yet unexplained circumstances.

Driuni is the Executive Director of the Lach Development Organization based in Mundri, Western Equatoria state. He is involved in promoting agriculture in South Sudan.

Driuni has been missing for two weeks, according to the Juba-based Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO).

“CEPO is concerned about the missing of a fellow colleague and activist named Driuni Jikada Driuni," said director Edmund Yakani. “CEPO is calling for Driuni's release and urging the state and concerned authorities for ensuring the safety of Mr. Driuni."

Yakani said his organization will petition the National Parliament Committee on Security and the Office of the State Governor of Western Equatoria state for Driuni's release.

“The information we have is that he is under military detention," Yakani told Radio Miraya. "During the crisis in Mundri he was involved in helping women and children by lifting them from location of risk to location of safety and I think that was badly reported by other people who are not friends of peace and stability. And they reported that he may have contributed in instigating the violence. But we know him he is a very principled person. We don’t think he would reach that level. If he did reach that level at least the law takes its course and not in an arbitrary manner.”

The CEPO leader added that since the South Sudan Civil War began in December 2013, National Security Services (NSS) agents reportedly have arrested many people in Juba and accused them of being allied with the rebels.

Speaking on Monday to Radio Tamazuj, Yakani said CEPO has been approached by family members of six other missing people asking for help.

“Right now the number of people disappearing in the country is on the rise," he said. "As CEPO, we are now receiving calls from family members of those who are missing loved ones, asking us for some assistance to help."

"We can’t trace where are they but we are raising that as a concern," Yakani added.

The activist urged the NSS to make a public statement regarding these allegations before they tarnish the country's image.

Related:

Maridi death toll hits nine, parliament to intervene (10 Jun.)

S Sudanese authorities detaining people across Equatoria (21 May)

Army operating 'illegal' detention center in Nimule, E Equatoria (20 May)