The activist said holding the suspect for 13 days without charge or transparent investigation is a cruel and unusual punishment that contravenes both domestic and international law.

By Makur Adut

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) said it is deeply concerned about the continued detention of the press secretary for the former Lakes State governor Makur Kulang.

Mayor Mou Adhor was kidnapped on February 13, 2025, at Hai-Thoura in Juba by alleged security personnel.

Daniel Laat Kon Ater, CEPO Coordinator for Lakes State said: “As a result of the dragnet approach, he was transported to Lakes State on the same night where he was arbitrarily detained for 13 days without charges.”

He said the arbitrary arrest and the continued detention constitute a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights and democratic principles.

“The unwarranted actions of the security forces, who forcibly kidnapped Mou among his friends and cousin, is a gross violation of his personal liberty and professional rights,” Laat stated.

“We urge the government of Lakes State, which is accused of his detention, to subsequently release him without condition or transfer him to police custody if there are legal grounds to press charges against Mou to justify their unlawful detention,” he explained. 

The activist said holding the suspect for 13 days without charge or transparent investigation is a cruel and unusual punishment that contravenes both domestic and international law.

He said South Sudan is a signatory to the United Nations Charter and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which enshrine the principles of freedom of expression, assembly and association. “These fundamental rights are further protected under the South Sudan Constitution article 9 (2) (3), 10, 12, 18 and 24. The actions taken against Mr. Mou are in direct conflict with our constitution and abovementioned commitments,” Laat explained.

He said any deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence an individual or group will be a chilling reminder of continuous shrinking civic space for civilians and human rights defenders in Lakes State.

“Furthermore, we urge the government of South Sudan to take concrete steps toward protecting the rights of civilians, human rights defenders and to create an enabling environment for civil society to operate freely.”