S. Sudan rebels accuse government of arrests, torture
October 31, 2014 (KAMPALA) – A senior South Sudanese rebel official over 90 intellectuals mainly from the Greater Equatoria region had allegedly been arrested and tortured security operatives for openly echoing reforms on a federal system of governance in the country.
The rebel official also alleged that about 80 tortures centres were established in Juba allegedly to mistreats and abuse civilians unlawfully arrested by security agents.
“There are eight torture centres around Juba and one is close to the [Nile] river side. They are torturing and killing people there and throwing them in to the Nile. We are all aware of what the government is doing as far we are concern,” Oyet claimed.
He demanded that proper investigations be carried out in to the alleged abuses by government organs against innocent civilians.
Oyet, in an interview with Sudan Tribune, said they wanted president Salva Kiir to be out of power for the sake of peace in the country.
“South Sudan will never have peace should president Kiir continue being the leader of the country,” he said, warning that force could be applied to remove the South Sudanese leader from power.
He claimed Kiir has failed to unite the population and should be asked to voluntarily vacate the presidency for peace to prevail.
“Most Equatorian soldiers, police, wildlife, national security personal and senior officials are undergoing disarmament by the government every day because their people support calls for reforms in the through adopting a federalism system,” Oyet further said.
Sudan Tribune could not independently verify these claims from the senior rebel official, who is currently in charge of mobilization within the opposition ranks.
Talks between the government and rebels forces mediated by the East African regional leaders is seeking to end the country’s conflict, which has killed thousands and displaced over 1.5 million people.
(ST)