The network’s chairperson, Angelina Adhel Malual, appealed to the Minister of Higher Education and Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabor to intervene and de-escalate the situation.
The detentions stem from a misunderstanding between the university administration and the state governor, who ordered the arrests. Malual emphasised that the issue could have been resolved internally by the university administration through dialogue.
“We view this matter as something that can be handled within the institution,” she said, urging authorities to release the lecturers to prevent further tension.
The network expressed concern that the prolonged detention could provoke unrest among the lecturers’ colleagues and students, potentially disrupting academic activities.
“If the lecturers remain detained, their colleagues may stop teaching, and students could go on strike, jeopardising the situation,” Malual warned.
Highlighting the integrity of the university and the intellectual stature of the detained lecturers, Malual stressed that they are unlikely to resort to violence and should be released to facilitate constructive dialogue.
“As a civil society network, we advocate for a peaceful resolution and call for the immediate release of the four academic staff,” she stated.
The network praised Governor Rin Tueny Mabor for maintaining peace in Lakes State but cautioned that such incidents could create unnecessary tension.
“We urge the establishment of mechanisms to resolve disputes within the university, an institution capable of handling such matters internally,” Malual added.
The Lakes State Civil Society Network reiterated its commitment to peace, calling on the university administration, lecturers, and students to pursue dialogue and maintain calm to ensure the smooth operation of the institution.
Last week, the Rumbek University Academic Staff Association urged President Salva Kiir to dismiss the university’s administrators, citing alleged administrative incompetence and misconduct, an allegation the institution denied.
