East African bloc calls for release of detained South Sudan officials

The East African regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has called on South Sudan’s government to release several officials who were recently arrested amid rising political tensions.

In a statement issued Wednesday, IGAD urged South Sudanese authorities to respect due process and ensure that all detainees receive fair treatment. The bloc, which has played a key role in South Sudan’s peace process, warned that the arrests could further destabilize the fragile political environment ahead of the country’s scheduled elections in December.

The detained officials, whose names have not been publicly disclosed, are believed to be linked to opposition groups critical of President Salva Kiir’s administration. Their arrests have sparked concerns among international observers and human rights organizations, who fear a crackdown on political dissent.

South Sudan’s government has not yet responded to IGAD’s appeal. However, tensions have been rising in recent weeks, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling party of suppressing political rivals in the lead-up to the long-awaited elections.

IGAD has urged South Sudan’s leadership to uphold commitments to democratic reforms and ensure a peaceful transition, warning that political instability could threaten the country’s recovery from years of civil war.