The Artists’ Union in Northern Bahr el Ghazal has called on the government to ensure the safety of popular musician Pioth Peace, who was reportedly taken to an unknown location in Juba by security forces believed to belong to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
According to the union, the singer was picked up from his apartment on Monday at around 5 p.m. by individuals driving vehicles without number plates, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. Last week, the singer recorded a video message directed to First Lady Mary Ayen Mayardit, asking for assistance regarding his situation.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, the union’s coordinator, Wal Wal, commonly known as the ‘King of Dinka Flow,’ said they first learned about the arrest through social media and have not yet confirmed the exact circumstances.
“We don’t know who is behind the arrest because it happened recently, on Monday, around 5 p.m. I only saw information circulating on social media. When I tried to make calls to confirm, the phones were not going through,” he said. “We really don’t know who arrested him or the reason for his arrest. Some photos circulating on social media suggested that soldiers might have been involved, though this has not been officially confirmed.”
“Our message to the people is to stay calm until we find out who arrested the artist and the reason behind his arrest,” Wal added.
Meanwhile, Kur Deng Mayen, a legal expert, said any arrest must follow proper legal procedures and be carried out by the relevant authorities.
“It is a legal matter, and judicial action must be taken through the appropriate authorities. If someone is arrested, it should be done by the police or another legally recognized authority,” he explained. “Even with the cybercrime and computer misuse laws that were recently signed, the law does not compromise legal procedures. If someone is arrested, it must be done by the police, and the family of the arrested person must be informed.”
“We are citizens of this country, and if someone has committed an offense, the legal procedures must be followed properly,” Deng added.
He said arrested persons must be given their rights, including access to legal representation and the ability to sign the necessary legal documents.