South Sudan is now cracking down on scholars.
Authorities in the Lakes State of South Sudan have apprehended four prominent academics from the Rumbek University of Science and Technology, including leaders of the institution’s association of lecturers.
The arrests executed by the South Sudan’s National Security Service, are reportedly based on direct orders from the state governor, Rin Tueny Mabor.
The arrests come at the time when there are escalating tensions between academics and local administration, with ambiguity surrounding the true motives behind the detentions.
The arrested academics include the Head of the Business Administration Department and President of the University Professors’ Association, Gat Monyon; Dean of Student Affairs, Makor Awan; Head of the History and Geography Department, Joseph Mony and another Lecturer at the university, Emmanuel Rondial.
The Secretary of the University Professors’ Association (UPA), Kur Mathiang Kaw, reported that the seizures were made without prior warning or clear reasons, while those carrying out the arrests stated that the orders came directly from the governor.
Professor Joshua Otor Akol, the university’s director, confirmed his lack of knowledge regarding the reasons for the arrests, despite admitting to a prior meeting with the governor.
Akol however promised to investigate the matter, raising questions about the level of coordination between the authorities and the academic institution.
Civil activist Daniel Lat Kon expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of the arrests on university stability, emphasizing that dialogue is the only solution to resolving disputes.
Lat Kon also urged the central government to intervene urgently to contain the crisis.
The acting Minister of Information, William Koji Kirjok, denied any knowledge of the arrests, calling on journalists to refer to the university administration for further details, which only deepened the ambiguity.
The Rumbek University of Science and Technology in South Sudan, has witnessed recurring tensions between professors and the administration, particularly with previous demands for the dismissal of officials due to mismanagement.
These arrests raise fears that authorities are moving to stifle critical voices through arbitrary measures, amid the absence of clear legal safeguards.
Observers say the move will only lead to the escalation of academic and community protests, and Intervention by international human rights organizations, especially given the lack of publicly declared legal justifications.
The arrests may also lead to the worsening of the crisis of trust between the government and educational institutions.