Aweil youth and family members of community leader Elder Garang Deng Aguer have mobilized in Juba following unverified reports of a planned arrest, calling on President Salva Kiir Mayardit to intervene to prevent escalation.
The mobilization comes amid circulating rumors on social
media and within parts of the community alleging that Garang is facing arrest
in the capital for speaking up for the community. There has been no official
confirmation from authorities regarding any arrest warrant, detention, or
charges.
In a media briefing on Thursday at the residence of
Ambassador Garang Deng Aguer, Aweil East Youth Union chairperson in Juba, Amet
Majok Majok, said they mobilized in response to the reports and spent the night
at the residence in solidarity with the community leader.
“We spent the night here at the residence of Ambassador
Garang Deng Aguer. This situation has created fear in the community, and that
is why we came to guard him and ensure he is safe and to see who want to arrest
him,” Majok said.
“We are the strength of this country, and it is not good for
our community elders to continue being arrested. Those in prison are enough. If
there is anything to be done, it is to release them. It is not good for
community elders to be added to them.”
Police spokesperson Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin said he had no
knowledge of the reported arrest when contacted.
Aweil political figures who are among other South Sudanese
in detention in the Blue House for different charges include Bol Mel, former
vice president, two national MPs and others, and the youth fear that the
community elder might be added.
Ambassador’s family representative Ater Garang Ariath
applauded the youth for their solidarity and urged authorities to clarify the
situation.
“I want to urge President Salva Kiir that this nation
belongs to all of us. There is no need for people to be intimidated. Garang
Deng Aguer fought for this country for almost 40 years,” Ariath said.
“If you are not behind his arrest, please Your Excellency
President Salva Kiir Mayardit, we need you to take action to ensure that the
country remains safe and stable.”
The situation follows recent online tensions involving
members of the Aweil community and Warrap-based online controversy between
Aweil-born social media influencer Simon Dee based in London, and Warrap-born
influencer Akuac Wol based in Juba, which sparked strong reactions within
sections of the communities.
Community elder Garang, in a press conference on Tuesday,
urged restraint over online tensions, alleging that a Warrap-born activist was
being influenced by unidentified actors to insult the Aweil community without
consequences, while claiming that relatives of Aweil-born influencer Simon Dee
were arrested in Juba.
The rumors of a possible arrest emerged following the press
conference.
