Intrepid South Sudan has called for immediate release of detained civil society leaders in Aweil.
Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, Bol Deng Bol called for immediate release of three leaders of Northern Bhar El Gazel Civil Society Network detained by National Security Service in Aweil.
In a statement, Deng condemned the detention of the network’s leaders and call for their release.
“We condemn this arbitral detention of the civil society leaders and call on His Excellency the Governor to order an immediate release, investigate the circumstances that led to this unfortunate situation and instead address it through dialogue.” The Activist stated.
The three civil society leaders were on Wednesday morning summoned and later detained by National Security Service.
He believes the leaders were detained for refusal to give up the network’s legal operational documents including Constitution, Registration Certificate, Bank account details and stamp.
He called for amicable resolution of differences without involving arrest and detention, adding that civil society is also a stakeholder to 2018 peace agreement.
“This perpetual stringent control on the civic space is unacceptable. It is worth reminding the State Authorities and the National Security Service in particular that Civil Society is an important stakeholder in all aspects of the state building including in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.” He added.
The detained leaders of the network are chairperson, Mr. Bulis Nguak Deng, Secretary General Ms Maria Anggelo and Finance Secretary Mr. Deng Teng Achien.
Due to lack of civic space, civil society activists are living in fear of being arrested and detained for doing their work.
In 2024, Activist Bol Deng Bol flee Jonglei State because the security apparatus who wanted to arrest him.
He later returned to the state after an assurance from the former Jonglei State Governor Majoub Biel Turuk.
