Alleged Abuse by SSPDF Troops
Rumbek East County officials say two soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces were arrested after an alleged assault on Rev. Stephen Mangar Machar, parish priest of Pacong Catholic Church.
Commissioner Zechariah Malual Anyuon confirmed the detention at Mabor-duang barracks and insisted that clergy, medics and aid workers must be protected by security units.
First-Hand Account of the Incident
Speaking to reporters, Rev. Machar recounted being stopped at Bahr el Naam around 4 p.m. while travelling to Thonaduel County headquarters.
He said soldiers insulted him, seized his mask, demanded his cap and attempted to push him into a military vehicle before bystanders intervened.
The priest reported injuries to his hand and neck, adding that a sergeant major allegedly told the troops to ‘take me up’ instead of calming tensions.
Official Response and Medical Care
An officer from another unit distanced himself, claiming the soldiers belonged to Division 12 under Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabor.
Rev. Machar is receiving treatment at Rumbek State Hospital, according to health workers, who confirmed bruises but said his condition is stable.
Civil Society Calls for Accountability
Daniel Laat Kon of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization labelled the attack ‘unacceptable abuse of power’ and urged prosecutors to move the case to court.
He argued that visible accountability would deter future misconduct within security services and restore public trust.
Broader Implications for Security Reform
Analysts note that the swift arrest of uniformed suspects is rare, and this investigation will test Lakes State’s pledge to professionalise its forces.
Local observers caution that consistent court action, not isolated detentions, will determine whether community relations with the SSPDF can improve.
For now, residents of Rumbek East await court proceedings that could signal a turning point in the fragile balance between security and civil rights.