A human rights lawyer, Godfrey Victor, has made serious allegations against the army in Western Equatoria State, accusing them of interfering in police operations. During a recent visit to assess the human rights situation, Victor found that army personnel were conducting arrests, investigating criminal cases, and detaining civilians - duties legally assigned to the police and courts. This interference, he claims, undermines the rule of law and weakens police institutions.
Victor cited a specific incident in Anzara, where two parents were allegedly arrested and detained by the army for over three weeks in connection with a theft case involving their children. The children had initially been detained by the army but later escaped, prompting soldiers to arrest their parents. Despite being civilians, they were held at an army detention facility and later asked to pay millions of South Sudanese Pounds for their release.
According to Victor, each parent was asked to pay 4 million South Sudanese Pounds for their release. They were eventually released following stakeholder intervention but were warned of potential re-arrest if they failed to pay the demanded money. Victor raised concerns about a joint security operation based at Masia Police Station, where army personnel allegedly assume responsibilities legally assigned to police officers, including investigating cases and granting bail.
Victor warned that the situation has created confusion in the administration of justice and weakened public confidence in the police. He called on the Western Equatoria State leadership to relocate the joint security operation from Masia Police Station to allow police officers to perform their duties independently. He also appealed to the national Minister of Interior to intervene, citing the risk of undermining public safety and the rule of law.
The lawyer urged civilians to report criminal cases to the police and seek legal remedies through the courts rather than taking disputes to military units. Victor's allegations highlight a concerning trend of military interference in civilian policing, which could have far-reaching consequences for human rights and the rule of law in Western Equatoria State.
When contacted by Eye Radio, the Western Equatoria State Minister of Information stated that he was not aware of the matter. The allegations had not been independently verified at the time of publication. This lack of response from authorities raises questions about the extent of their knowledge and involvement in the situation.
Victor's visit aimed to assess the human rights situation, conduct legal aid activities, and oversee the provision of legal assistance to civilians. His findings underscore the need for urgent attention to address the issue of military interference in police duties and ensure that civilians have access to justice.
Key points
- The allegations against the WES army include taking over police duties and extorting civilians.
- The situation has weakened public confidence in the police and created confusion in the administration of justice.
- The lawyer has called for the relocation of the joint security operation and intervention from the national Minister of Interior.
