Mounting Obstacles to Arrests in South Sudan
Major General James Monday Enoka says daily resistance confronts officers tasked with enforcing court orders, as both armed civilians and uniformed colleagues block arrests across South Sudan, eroding momentum for recent justice sector reforms.
He recounts incidents where police stations were stormed and detainees freed at gunpoint, illustrating how unchecked solidarity within some units undermines the judiciary’s credibility and discourages victims from pursuing redress.
Intimidation Weakens Investigations
According to Enoka, investigators endure pressure from influential figures seeking to shield relatives, while threats of retaliation silence witnesses and compromise evidence collection.
He notes that failure to respect court rulings perpetuates a perception that power outweighs statute, a dynamic he labels one of the gravest challenges to the rule of law.
Public Fear Erodes Cooperation
Community members often hesitate to share information, fearing reprisals from those they might implicate; this reluctance further complicates tracing stolen property or prosecuting violent crime, Enoka explains.
Weak coordination among separate security organs also hampers internal accountability, making it harder to isolate rogue actors despite existing disciplinary codes.
Call for Joint Awareness Drive
Addressing journalists, lawyers and officers at a Juba workshop, the spokesperson urged media houses to popularise citizens’ rights and legal responsibilities, arguing informed communities are less prone to violence and more likely to cooperate.
Enoka reaffirmed the force’s commitment to respecting human rights and said reciprocal support from civilians and other uniformed services is indispensable for rebuilding public confidence.
Stakeholders Map a Collaborative Path
Over two days, representatives from police, bar associations, media regulators and rights groups explored mechanisms to curb harmful content, safeguard practitioners and reinforce transparent policing.
Delegates agreed that sustained dialogue, coupled with consistent enforcement of existing statutes, can gradually restore faith in state institutions without infringing on freedom of expression.
Follow-up meetings are expected to refine an action plan centred on training, rapid response protocols and community outreach.