By Yiep Joseph
Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), Ter Manyang, has called for the release of 22 protesters detained in Warrap State.
Authorities in Warrap State announced on Tuesday that they had arrested these youths following their protests against the alleged killing of South Sudanese nationals in Wad Medani, located in Sudan’s Al Gazira State.
In a statement shared with this outlet, Activist Manyang emphasized that citizens have the right to peacefully protest.
He stated that the recent protests, which were triggered by the inhumane killings of civilians by the Sudanese Army, should not have resulted in the arrest of the youth. He asserted that they have the right to voice their concerns over such injustices.
“CPA demands the immediate and unconditional release of the detained youths, as stipulated in Article 24 of the transitional constitution, which states that individuals can only be held in police custody for a maximum of 24 hours,” he said.
Manyang further noted that the arrest of those exercising their rights constitutes a violation of the Bill of Rights outlined in South Sudan’s amended transitional constitution.
“The Bill of Rights grants citizens the freedoms of expression and association, and it should be upheld by all levels of government,” he added.
“Arresting citizens further ignores the reality of the killings of South Sudanese individuals in Wad Medani by the Sudan Armed Forces.”
Manyang urged Warrap State authorities to release the protesters and condemned the actions of the Sudanese Army, describing the killings of civilians as inhumane.
“Warrap State should condemn the killing of South Sudanese citizens in Wad Medani by the Sudan Armed Forces. Such actions are unacceptable, and the Sudanese government must ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable under Sudanese law,” he stated.
He called for all levels of government to focus on pressing the Sudanese government to expedite the investigation into these killings.
“The investigation team established by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan aims to accelerate the inquiry into the killings in Wad Medani, ensuring that the South Sudanese people and the region are kept informed,” he said.
“There is no moral justification for the killing of innocent individuals who have no political affiliation,” he added.
“Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his administration should be held accountable for failing to protect South Sudanese citizens in Sudan.”
Manyang concluded by asserting that Sudan has an international obligation to protect all individuals residing within its borders, in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.