The National Security Service
said it has shockingly learnt of its alleged random arrest and detention of
individuals within Juba City regarding the just-unfolded military confrontation
between the government forces and the militia groups known as the White Army,
who are allied to the SPLA-IO.
While speaking to the press at
the NSS headquarters on Saturday, March 8, 2025, spokesperson David John Kumuri
said it had undeniably arrested and detained several individuals believed to
have verified links to the spiraling military confrontation that just unfolded
within the towns of Nasir and Ulang and their surroundings.
On
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Puot Kang Chol, the Minister of Petroleum, was detained,
followed by the arrest of Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the deputy army chief, on
Wednesday.
Also, on
Thursday, March 6, 2025, Stephen Par Kuol, the Minister of Peacebuilding, was arrested but
released the next day, according to the
office of SPLM-IO.
“The arrest ensued after the service operatives conducted an extensive intelligence pursuit of appropriate information from any individual within or out of the country that had and has been fueling the ongoing battle in the mentioned areas,” said Kumuri.
He explains that the
intelligence report obtained included substantial evidence from all
contributing sources, which were first subjected to thorough analysis and
fact-checking until they were deemed accurate and thus amounted to the arrest
and detention of the individuals.
Kumuri said the detention of
the individuals is part and parcel of the NSS to protect the Revitalised
Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCISS)
signed in 2018.
In addition, Kumuri stated
that, “These arrests are not targeting in nature; either along regional,
geographical, ethnic, or political connections.”
According to Kumuri, South
Sudan is a sovereign state just like any other nation on earth that has the
right to halt any threat that undermines its national security.
“The NSS should not be termed
as random and unlawful by enemies of the state, but rather the professionalism
and lawful demeanor of the institution should be considered.
NSS assures the public that law
enforcement agencies are fully aware of these developments and thus are taking
all necessary critical actions, including arrest, to address the situation.
“It is in the best interest of
the NSS to ensure that any act of abuse of powers and insubordination by any
law enforcement officers is unacceptable and individuals involved will be held
accountable for their actions.”
“The safety and security of our
nation and its citizens remains our top priority, and we will not hesitate to
take any decisive action to ensure the stability of our country,” Kumuri added.
The NSS urges the public to
remain calm and trust in the authorities to handle the matter in accordance
with the law.
