South Sudan crack Down On Civil Society

Africa ExPress Special Correspondent
Saba Makeda
Juba, 6th September 2016

Civil Society in South Sudan has a long history of participation in the struggles of the Nation. The current situation in South Sudan is not different.

During the recent UN Security Council mission to South Sudan (4 September 2016), Civil Society organisations met with the Security Council and shared their views on the situation in South Sudan.

In fact both the organisations holding to the government view as well as those that support views that are not in line with the Government such as the demand for an arms embargo and the deployment of a protection force in Juba, met with the UN Security Council.

Since the events of July 2016, Civil Society Organisations in South Sudan have experienced a shrinking space. Following the recent UN Security Council mission the Government of South Sudan has intensified it’s crackdown of National Ngo’s and specifically it is targeting those National Ngo who are not in line with the views of the Government.

Already at least 20 national organisations focused on governance and human rights have been notified that they will not be registered. These organisations are now following up on the issue.

Today the harassment and arrest of civil society activists is has culminated today in the killing of Mr Emanuel Wani.

Mr Emanuel Wani is a young man who, during the UN Security Council Mission, presented a paper to the Council Members. This afternoon he was taking lunch with some friends in Munuki (Juba) when a security vehicle approached them. The young men scattered and ran. Emanuel Wani was pursued by the National Security vehicle and shot dead.

Saba Makeda
makedasaba@ymail.com