By Hou Akot Hou
Bulis Nguak, chairperson of the Civil Society Network in Aweil, was detained along with other members by National Security Service (NSS) operatives on Wednesday.
Their detention, lasting from 10:00 AM until evening, stemmed from a dispute over the network’s legitimacy, according to Nguak. They were released following intervention by Bishop Mamer, but face the possibility of further detention.
Nguak told this outlet on Thursday that the detention was ordered by the state government through the NSS, who claim the network’s legitimacy is “null and void” and that a rival group is the recognized body.
“We were detained by the national security based on orders from the NSS director,” Nguak stated.
He cited a previous incident where a colleague, Dut, was detained without charges, prompting the network to petition the governor for his release or a fair trial with legal representation.
The current dispute arose after a group, alleging to represent the true civil society network, informed the governor that Nguak’s group’s petition did not reflect the broader civil society’s position.
This group was subsequently recognized by the governor and authorized to operate, with a request made to the NSS to seize the original network’s assets, including its stamp, certificate, and bank account.
“They asked us to hand over the certificate, the account, and the stamp,” Nguak said. “We told them we have a general assembly to discuss such matters. They refused and detained us for the entire day until Bishop Mamer intervened.”
Nguak alleges the move is politically motivated, asserting that the rival group, aligned with the governor, is not a legitimate civil society organization.
He emphasized that his network has a general assembly, which the rival group could have utilized if they had genuine concerns.
“This group has their own interests,” Nguak stated. “They cannot criticize the government on issues facing the community. The governor is now working with them, and they are even requesting our assets from the NSS. We refused, as these are assets of the general assembly.”
Nguak fears further detention when he and his colleagues return to the NSS on Friday, as directed.
He believes the state government is using coercive tactics to seize the network’s assets.
“Bishop Mamer informed me that he spoke with the NSS director, who agreed we could return on Friday,” Nguak explained. “If they insist on taking our assets, they can detain us.”
He appealed for restraint and urged the state government to respect the legal framework governing civil society organizations, emphasizing their independent status.
“The Civil Society Network is an independent body; we do not need government blessings to operate,” Nguak said. “We must follow the law, and if we violate it, we should be held accountable.”
He further alleged that religious figures are behind the rival group, attempting to install their own leader, Pastor Malong Bak, as chairperson.
Nguak called on the government to address the issue through lawful procedures, stressing that his network is addressing community concerns, not engaging in political activities.
He urged his colleagues to remain resilient as they face potential further detention.
Attempts to reach the NBG government spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful.