Four popular activists are among the 14 protestors who were arrested while demonstrating over the grisly accident at Mobil roundabout that killed three people on Monday evening.

The activists took to the streets to protest and call on the government to streamline the laws governing the water transportation business. They said foreign nationals driving the water bowsers have brought impunity on the roads with reckless driving leading to deaths.

On Monday, March 29, three people died in an accident that involved a water bowser, a motorbike and another vehicle belonging to Sans Medecins Frontieres.

One person is reportedly admitted at the Juba Teaching Hospital in deplorable state.

Among those who died was a local musician, Trisha Cosmos, popularly known as Trisha C.

According to a statement issued by a youth lobby group, Anataban, all the efforts to save Trisha’s life proved futile making her to succumb to the injuries. The group blamed medics at Juba Teaching Hospital for negligence leading to the death of their colleague.

 “It took over 3 hours to give blood despite the blood donors being adequately and timely present. It’s also worth noting that the blood bank was found closed when its services were needed the most.

  “The Negligence, recklessness, and poor health facilities and services continue to be one of the leading causes of avoidable deaths countrywide,” Anataban protested in their statement.

Concerns raised

 The youth also raised concerned over poor management of the national institutions.

They include the ‘national hospital’s handling of the issue and the subsequent increase of ongoing silencing and dehumanisation of youth’s peaceful and nation-building ideas.’

They tabled a list of grievances. First, they want the police to arrest those culpable for the deadly accident to be arrested and charged. They want the government to create National Hospital Management Authority to audit and address service delivery in hospitals. They also want the establishment of police units in hospitals to address emergency service needs.

The youth further proposed a raft of traffic reforms among them relooking the licensing procedures for water truck drivers, establishing zebra crossings and limiting motorists to 40 kilometre per hour.

Arrests

Some of the activists who were arrested in the morning include the Executive Director for the Foundation for Democracy and Accountable Governance (FODAG) Jame David Kolok, the Executive Director of the Okay Africa Foundation (OKAY) Wani Michael and a peace activist Manasseh Mathiang.

The Executive Director for Community Empowerment and Progress Edmund Yakani is calling for the release of the 14 activists.

“Peaceful demonstration is the right of every citizen,” he said.

“Denying the citizens the right for peaceful strike is one of human rights [is not right].

“We are calling police to respect the principles of the rule of law and human rights,” he said.     

Yakani also said that one of his colleagues who are arrested is unwell and he needs special treatment