Washington: Juba calls for the release of activist Peter Ajak
Washington – August 3, 2018 – Two US senators expressed deep concern over the continued arrest of activists in the Republic of South Sudan, following the arrest of activist Peter Ajak.
Chris Poonz and Corey Booker said in a joint statement on Thursday that the continued detention of activist Peter Pierre Ajak by security authorities in Juba was a setback to the peace process in southern Sudan.
“We are concerned by reports that President Salva Kiir personally ordered the suppression of activists and critics of the government,” the statement said.
The statement stresses the need to share the views of civil society organizations, women, religious leaders and marginalized groups in the peace process in southern Sudan.
The two members said that the arrest of activist Peter Ajak, while encouraging the United States and its partners in Troika, IGAD and the African Union to undermine the peace process and the government’s claims about its credibility that it wants peace.
The two members also expressed deep concern over the disappearance of activist Donok Samuel and Akari Edri, an armed opposition leader led by Riek Machar, who disappeared in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi in 2017. The government in Juba did not recognize their arrest or charge according to the statement.
The statement called on the government in southern Sudan to immediately release activist Peter Ajak and all political detainees, respect the law and fundamental freedoms. The statement urged southern Sudanese political leaders, including President Salva Kiir, to fully commit to the Khartoum negotiations and demonstrate leadership for real peace.
