By Kidega Livingstone
South Sudan government may soon find itself embroiled in a court battle as a law firm prepares to file a case in East African Court of Justice over former Juba city mayor, Kalisto Lado Faustino.
In a letter released by M/S Pan African Law Chambers Advocate and Attorney at Law, Republic of South Sudan, the intended applicant, Ann Grace Juan Fiorentino Loro – the wife of former Mayor Lado, expressed her family’s intention to sue the government.
The letter, seen by the No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper further detailed the events leading to Lado’s alleged kidnapping on March 3, 2024.
According to the account, a National Security Agent arrived at Lado’s residence in the Hai Kuwait Residential Area around 11:53 p.m. accompanied by a group of armed National Security Soldiers.
Lado was reportedly subjected to random beatings in the presence of his wife before being forcibly transported in a Toyota Landcruiser.
Both vehicles were observed entering the national security headquarters, commonly known as the Blue House, through the Western Gate.
Wani Santino Jada, advocate for the intending applicant with M/S Pan African Law Chamber LLP, revealed that Lado suffered injuries, including swelling of the shoulder, neck, leg, and cheek, as well as bleeding from the nose, as a result of the severe beating.
“We therefore urge the unconditional release of Mr. Kalisto Lado with immediate effect. Failure to adhere to the above point or request expounded in paragraph 13 will leave us with no option apart from filing a reference against the Republic of South Sudan for violation of Articles 5, 6(d), and 7(2) of the East African Community Treaty,” the advocate said in the letter.
“Take further notice that if you do not comply within 24 hours from the date of receiving the notice, we shall institute legal proceedings against you at your peril. However, if you have no intention of complying, kindly inform us immediately so that we may institute the reference without delay,” he continued.
“Let us know how you would proceed; we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit at the East African Court of Justice against you. In the notice, you must indicate our cost of USD 1,999,980 in lawyer’s fees,” Advocate Wani added.
The Ministry of Justice has been directed to address all correspondence to Advocate Wani Santino Jada at M/S Pan African Law Chambers Advocate and Attorney at Law, Republic of South Sudan.