Brief Detention and Swift Release
Alfred Gatmai Koang walked free on Tuesday afternoon, about 24 hours after National Security Service agents had led him away from Juba’s Freedom Hall. His arrest had stunned colleagues gathered for a closely watched court session.
Youth League Criticises ‘Unlawful’ Detention
Speaking for the SPLM-IO Youth League, spokesperson Gattiek Wichar labelled the episode “unlawful” and “intimidating”. “Our comrade is fine and back with us,” he told reporters, thanking unnamed interlocutors who pressed for the release within hours.
Security’s Search Order Dispute
NSS officers had reportedly faulted Gatmai for refusing a security search at the courthouse gate. He denied breaching protocol, insisting he complied with instructions before entering the building to follow proceedings against First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar and others.
High-Profile Trial Continues
Tuesday marked the eighth hearing in a case that has gripped South Sudanese politics since accusations of treason and murder over the 2013 Nasir incident re-emerged. Observers say the courtroom dynamic carries weight for the country’s fragile peace roadmap and power-sharing balance.
Calls for Respect of Legal Rights
The Youth League urged authorities to uphold constitutional protections, arguing that intimidation undermines public confidence. Civil society voices echoed that appeal, suggesting transparent procedure is crucial as Juba navigates upcoming elections and implements the revitalised peace agreement’s security provisions.
Looking Ahead for SPLM-IO Activists
The brief ordeal, while resolved quickly, has heightened vigilance among SPLM-IO supporters who plan to keep attending the trial. For Gatmai, the episode serves as a reminder of how closely politics and security remain intertwined in a nation still nurturing post-conflict institutions.