Concerns
among immigrants in South Sudan have grown as many report being subjected to
unfair treatment, harassment, and intimidation.
Okey Prince, a Nigerian immigrant who arrived in South Sudan in 2010, shares his personal experiences and sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrants in the country.
"Today,
the turnout of immigrants from different communities is very poor," said
Prince in an interview with The Radio Community (TRC).
Prince made
the remarks following a notice of low turnout of immigrants at the
commemoration of international migrant day in Juba on Wednesday.
He emphasized
that many people are unhappy due to the hardships they endure.
"We have
been carrying this along since 2022, making people aware of how the masses of
immigrants are suffering," Prince explained.
One of the
most significant sources of distress for immigrants is the behavior of
individuals claiming to be members of the CID (Criminal Investigation
Department).
According to
Prince, these self-styled CID officers regularly harass immigrants, creating an
environment of fear.
"They
disturb a lot, morning, night, afternoon. Even CID can come to your home and
search you and do things. They can stop you on the way," he narrated.
Prince
recalls his own encounter with these individuals, which he describes as both
embarrassing and unjust.
"Like
somebody has caught me that I'm a suspect. They got me with a woman in the
hotel room. At the end of the day, it was fake. It's just a line of fake
stories just to grab money from you," he revealed.
He described
the alleged forced extortion tactics used by some CID officers.
"You
cannot take your own problem and put somebody's problem," he says,
stressing that this behavior is an abuse of power.
Another
pressing issue that immigrants face in South Sudan is the harassment related to
traffic regulations.
Prince claims
that even when immigrants have the proper documentation, such as a driving
license or logbook, they are often targeted by some traffic officers.
"They
can seize all those things. You cannot give somebody, force somebody to give
you money," he asserted, calling for a change in this exploitative
practice.
Despite these
persistent issues, Prince encourages fellow immigrants to remain disciplined
and avoid falling into crime.
"I would
like to tell fellow immigrants to follow the rules and regulations for the
country. Don't put your hand into crime. But when you are straightforward, God
will be your leader," he advised.
However, he
also pointed out that the government's inaction on these matters has only
worsened the situation.
"We have
made a lot of dialogue to civil society, taken it to the government, but
nothing has changed," he added.
"What is
needed? Embarrassment continues day by day. Abusing continues by the day."
The
46-year-old further called on the government and society to recognize the
challenges faced by immigrants and take action to address the injustices they
endure.
Efforts made to reach South Sudan authorities went unsuccessful.