07/17/2026
DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE, INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO TORTURE AND UNLAWFUL DETENTION OF PROTESTERS IN STATE OF AWEIL IN SOUTH SUDAN . 623 570 2061
To:
The Office of the President of the Republic of South Sudan
The National Security Service (NSS)
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Ministry of Justice
The [ Aweil State/Governorate] Government : General Charles Madut Akol ithe governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state with his team ,
The Human Rights Commission of South Sudan Honorable : Nyuol Justin Yaac
And for supportive attention to:
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan Yasmin Sooka (Chair), Barney Afako, and Carlos Castresana Fernández.
(CHRSS)
Amnesty International South Sudan Desk
Human Rights Watch East Africa Desk
1. Background
On [date or approximate date, e.g., “late June 2025”], a group of citizens peacefully gathered in Aweil , South Sudan] to protest and demand:
The immediate release of Doctor Bol; and
The return of General Paul to the country before the upcoming elections.
During this protest, members of the group were captured by undercover security officers, in coordination with a brigadier general identified in our community as “Akol Thaam Srop” and his team. The arrested individuals were taken to prison/detention center, if known, or “an undisclosed location”] and subjected to severe torture and unlawful detention.
Victims report:
Extreme physical abuse, including torture of private parts, to the extent that some were unable to urinate.
Threats that their lives would be taken if they reported the abuse to the police or spoke publicly about it, especially if they were seen again by the brigadier general and his team.
Deprivation of basic needs, humiliation, and treatment “as if they were animals,” in direct violation of their human dignity.
These acts occurred in front of official security forces who are supposed to protect citizens, not to torture, intimidate, or silence them.
2. Legal and Human Rights Basis
The described actions constitute:
Torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, prohibited under international human rights law and South Sudan’s constitutional and legal obligations.
Unlawful detention and arbitrary arrest, violating the right to liberty and security of a person.
Threats to life, violating the right to life and creating a climate of fear among citizens who seek to exercise their rights.
Suppression of peaceful protest, violating the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and participation in public affairs.
These violations are especially serious in light of documented patterns of impunity and gross human rights abuses by state actors in South Sudan, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence, as highlighted by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and other international bodies �.
3. Specific Demands
We, the undersigned, respectfully but firmly demand the following:
3.1 Immediate and Independent Investigation
The Office of the President, the National Security Service, and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) shall jointly conduct a full, urgent, and independent investigation into:
The capture, detention, and torture of the protesters described above.
The involvement of undercover officers and brigadier general Akol Thaam Srop and his team.
Any orders, supervision, or coordination by higher-level security or political officials.
The investigation must:
Be conducted by officers who are not implicated in the alleged crimes.
Allow victims and witnesses to testify safely and without fear.
Include medical examinations and documentation of injuries.
Produce a written report with findings and recommendations within [e.g., 60–90 days].
3.2 Protection of Victims and Witnesses
The government shall immediately:
Guarantee the physical safety of all victims, their families, and witnesses.
Ensure that no further threats, harassment, or intimidation are carried out by the brigadier general, his team, or any other security personnel.
Provide or facilitate medical treatment, psychosocial support, and legal assistance for those tortured.
3.3 Accountability and Prosecution
Upon conclusion of the investigation:
All individuals found responsible for torture, unlawful detention, and threats to life shall be charged and prosecuted in accordance with South Sudanese law and international standards.
Any superiors who ordered, enabled, or failed to prevent these acts shall also be held accountable.
Punishments must be commensurate with the gravity of the crimes.
3.4 Public Reporting and Transparency
The government shall:
Publish the full investigation report (or a detailed public summary) and make it accessible to civil society and the media.
Allow independent national and international human rights monitors, including the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS), to review the process and findings .
3.5 Systemic Reforms
In addition to case-specific accountability, we demand:
A review of the use of undercover operations and anti-protest tactics by security forces.
Strengthened oversight mechanisms over the NSS, CID, and related agencies to prevent future torture and threats.
The development of clear training and policies on the prohibition of torture, the rights of peaceful protesters, and the protection of civilians.
4. Statement of Commitment
We, the undersigned, affirm that:
Our demands are based on peaceful, lawful, and non-violent exercise of our rights.
We seek justice, accountability, and reform, not revenge.
We are prepared to cooperate with any legitimate investigation, provide testimony, and support efforts to end impunity and protect the human rights of all citizens in South Sudan.
5. Signatories
Name(s) of victims, relatives, or community representatives:
_______________________________ (Contact: _______________________)
_______________________________ (Contact: _______________________)
_______________________________ (Contact: _______________________)
_______________________________ (Contact: _______________________)
_______________________________ (Contact: _______________________)
Names of supporting organizations (if any):
Date: 7/16/2026 Kur Jr Lual
Ssans64radio
Place: Aweil South Sudan _____________
