Activists go into hiding as South Sudan warns of protests

A South Sudanese activist said on Monday that he and four others had gone into hiding, dropping their plans for an anti-government protest as authorities warned of a harsh crackdown on protesters.

The world’s newest nation has suffered from chronic instability since gaining independence in 2011, with growing discontent prompting civil society groups to urge its leaders to step down, claiming they have “had enough”.

The protest was scheduled to take place the same day that President Salva Kiir inaugurated a newly established national parliament, a key condition of a 2018 peace deal that ended the country’s brutal civil war that has killed nearly 400,000 people.

But as heavily armed security forces patrolled the capital Juba, protesters were nowhere to be found, an organizer told AFP that he and four other members of the Popular Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) were now in hiding and feared for their lives.

“It’s a peaceful protest; it is supposed to be nonviolent but the government has responded with violence, ”said Wani Michael.

“There have been massive deployments … these guys carry AK-47s, they carry machine guns, and there are tanks on the roads. So the citizens fear … that they will be faced with violence.” , he added.

South Sudan became independent in 2011. By (AFP / File)

The government has taken a hard line against the CCP’s calls for a peaceful public uprising, arresting at least eight activists and detaining three journalists this month in connection with the protests, rights groups say.

Residents of Juba told AFP they were even afraid to leave their homes.

“We hear that there is no work today, and on top of that we fear (what the day will bring us),” said street vendor Emelda Susu.

“I will go to the market when I see that things are normal, but for now life (passes) first, my friend. Yes I’m scared so I have to be careful,” said Jimmy Bandu, a little one. trader.

National security agents with mounted militarized vehicles patrolled the generally busy areas of Juba, which also saw a heightened police presence and low traffic.

Commitment to a “free and fair” vote

Authorities called the protest “illegal” and warned against strict measures against anyone who defies the ban.

“The government has total control and (…) everyone must therefore resume their normal functions and (…) fear nothing,” Information Minister Michael Makuei told AFP.

The truce between Kiir and Machar, illustrated here, still holds good, but it is strained. By ALEX MCBRIDE (AFP)

He dismissed reports of an internet shutdown after users reported difficulties accessing two of the country’s major networks, Zain and MTN, attributing any issues to technical glitches.

While the mood in the usually bustling capital was decidedly subdued, Kiir called on members of the new parliament to “place the people of South Sudan above narrow party interests.”

“Our final mandate in this (peace) process is to organize free, fair and credible democratic elections at the end of the transition period,” he added, referring to the long-delayed elections now expected in 2023. .

As a sign of the lingering challenges facing the country, Kiir also announced that the government was withdrawing from negotiations with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOMA), a coalition of rebel groups.

The talks, which were negotiated in Rome by a Catholic association linked to the Vatican, failed to curb violence in the south of the country, despite a ceasefire signed in January 2020.

South Sudan has a total of 650 legislators. By – (AFP / File)

“While the quest for an inclusive peace in our country remains our only goal, the recent murders of innocent civilians (…) have strained our patience,” Kiir said, accusing the rebels of the National Salvation Front. – member of SSOMA – attacks.

The peace process has suffered from years of drift and strife following the 2018 ceasefire and the power-sharing deal between Kiir and his former enemy, Vice President Riek Machar.

The PCCA – a broad coalition of activists, academics, lawyers and former government officials – described the current regime as “a failed political system that has become so dangerous and has subjected our people to immense pressure. suffering ”.