During a recent address to the United Nations Security Council, South Sudan’s chargé d’affaires emphasised that demands for the release of detained opposition leaders disregard legal procedures and could be viewed as meddling in the country’s internal affairs.
Sabino Edward Nyawella, who also holds the position of Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, stated that the detentions are not driven by political motives.
He highlighted that calls for their release overlook the due process of law in South Sudan and risk being construed as interference in internal matters.
This comes amid continued international pressure for the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including First Vice President and SPLM-IO opposition leader, Dr Riek Machar, who has been under house arrest since March.
Machar’s confinement followed violent clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, involving a militia group allegedly associated with his party and government forces, which resulted in the death of an SSPDF commander.
Nyawella asserted that the arrests are based on criminal accountability for alleged incitement to violence and illegal activities, emphasising that they should not be misinterpreted as political suppression.
He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union, and the United Nations in facilitating dialogue among political figures.
Nevertheless, Nyawella strssed the importance of upholding national sovereignty in the peace process, cautioning against external influence that could deepen political rifts.
