Your Excellencies,
We, the undersigned members of the Western Bahr El Ghazal Community in the diaspora, urgently write to express our grave concern and formally lodge a complaint regarding the unlawful detention of General Abdalla Ujang Ukon by forces loyal to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
We strongly condemn this blatant violation of Gen. Ujang’s fundamental rights, which not only endangers his safety but also threatens the fragile peace process in South Sudan—an endeavor that both our community and the international community have worked tirelessly to preserve and strengthen
1. Circumstances of Detention Gen. Abdalla Ujang had verbally announced his resignation from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). During a visit to Wau to meet with colleagues and explain his reasons for resigning, he was lured to Baggari by other generals under Dr. Machar’s command and subsequently arrested on December 6, 2024. He remains in custody in an area controlled by SPLM/A-IO forces.
2. Violation of Rights Reports indicate that Dr. Riek Machar personally oversees the enforcement of his detention, denying Gen. Ujang access to his family, community representatives, medical care, and adequate nutrition. Such treatment is a direct violation of:
•The Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan
•International human rights laws
•The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS)
This inhumane treatment not only disregards fundamental human rights but also undermines the rule of law and national reconciliation efforts Illegal Confiscation of Property In addition to Gen. Ujang’s unlawful detention, Dr. Machar’s forces have illegally confiscated two rental vehicles and are demanding $32,000 USD as a condition for their release. These actions:
•Violate property rights
•Constitute extortion
•Breach the rental contract
•Potentially infringe upon international humanitarian law, if linked to the ongoing conflict Such blatant disregard for legal and contractual obligations further erodes trust in the peace process and must be addressed through proper legal channels.
4. Risks to the Revitalized Peace Agreement a. Undermining the R-ARCSS
Gen. Ujang’s unlawful detention erodes public trust in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU). Actions that instill fear, insecurity, and mistrust obstruct the implementation of key provisions of the R-ARCSS, which are vital for peace, reconciliation, and justice in South Sudan.
b. Potential for Escalation
Dr. Machar’s unilateral actions risk reigniting tensions and violence not only in Western Bahr El Ghazal State but across other regions of South Sudan. At a time when the nation is striving to uphold a fragile peace, these developments threaten the stability that both the international community and South Sudanese citizens have fought so hard to achieve. The risk of escalation is grave, and immediate action is required to prevent further destabilization.
5. Urgent Appeal and Recommendations
a. Immediate Release of Gen. Abdalla Ujang We urgently call on Dr. Riek Machar to release Gen. Ujang without delay. His continued detention violates both the letter and spirit of the R-ARCSS, as well as universally recognized human rights.
b. Independent Investigation We urge IGAD, the Troika, and all peace partners to initiate or support an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gen. Ujang’s detention. Such an investigation must ensure accountability and deter future violations.
c. Enforcement of the R-ARCSS
We respectfully call on all parties to the Agreement to demonstrate full commitment to its implementation. The international community—through IGAD and the Troika—should strengthen existing monitoring and verification mechanisms to prevent further violations and uphold transitional justice and security arrangements.
d. Continued Diplomatic Pressure
We implore the international community to apply diplomatic pressure and, if necessary, impose targeted measures against individuals who obstruct the peace process. Ensuring compliance from all parties is essential for achieving long-term stability and prosperity in South Sudan.
As a community, we categorically reject any form of violence or destabilization in our homeland. We, therefore, urgently appeal to the international community, IGAD, the Troika, and all peace partners to address this matter with the utmost urgency.
Failure to act decisively not only endangers the life of Gen. Ujang but also risks unraveling the hard-won gains made under the Revitalized Peace Agreement in South Sudan.
We trust in your commitment to upholding peace and human rights in South Sudan and stand ready to support all constructive efforts to ensure full implementation of the R-ARCSS and safeguard progress toward sustainable peace.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Statement from Western Bahr El Ghazal Community in the Diaspora extended to thejubamirror News desk ,
