Activists voice concern over disappearance of civil servants from police cell in Jonglei

JUBA – Jonglei Civil Society Network on Thursday expressed concern over the disappearance of three detained leaders of the Trade Workers’ Union from a police cell in Bor.

David Mayen, the Chairperson of the Trade Workers’ Union, Secretary-General, Samuel Majier Loch, and Ruben Matiop, Chairperson of the Teachers Union, who were arrested following last week’s peaceful strike, went missing from a police cell Tuesday.

The three leaders were accused of organizing a peaceful protest to demand unpaid five-month salaries.

“We learned with serious concerns the disappearance of leaders of the Worker’s Trade Union from Police detention. The three were arrested on 12th August 2022 during a peaceful demonstration in Bor town,” Civil Society Network said in a statement extended to Sudans Post on Thursday.

The group said the missing leaders have been under detention at Bor Central Police for eight days without charges.

“They have been held since then at Bor Central Police Center without clear legal charges for eight days and the police are not clear about their whereabouts and this is concerning,” it said.

The group called on the state government to provide clear information about the disappearance of civil servants.

“The leadership of Jonglei Civil Society Network would like to reiterate an  appeal to the governor of Jonglei State and Police Commissioner to urgently address the public on the disappearance of civil servants from police custody.”

“This matter is extremely sensitive and it is imperative that the government comes out and answer the public on this concern.”

When contacted for comment, Jonglei State Police Spokesperson Major Majak Daniel declined to comment on the matter.