Western powers express strong disapproval of gov’t intimidation, threats against activists

JUBA – South Sudan’s powerful friends, United States, United Kingdom, Norway, European Union, France, Germany, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Sweden have expressed strong disapproval of the recent government intimidation and threats against activists and journalists saying the government actions contravene the commitment of the government in the revitalized peace agreement.

This comes after senior government officials threatened to use live bullets against protesters who intended to take to the streets in late August to call for resignation of President Salva Kiir and his first deputy Dr. Riek Machar Teny because, in their own words, they have failed the world’s youngest nation.

In a statement, the diplomatic missions expressed concerns over statements attributed to senior government officials and said the statements by senior government officials including senior presidential advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk are not compatible with the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

“The recent actions taken by the government, including threats to use live ammunition against peaceful protesters, harassment of journalists and media organizations, arrests of civil society representatives and the intimidation of South Sudanese citizens, are not compatible with the government’s stated commitments,” the embassies’ statement read in part.

“We urge the government to uphold the commitments it has made to its people through R-ARCSS. This includes protecting the rights of the citizens of South Sudan to express their views peacefully, without fear of arrest,” the statement said.

“We will continue to support the government to implement R-ARCSS, and welcome the progress that has been made towards that end,” the statement added.