29/04/2025
Open statement on false treason charges against H.E Dr. Riak Machar PH.D ,FVP of south Sudan and commander in chief of SPLA M -IO .
Date 28/4/2025.
As concern citizens of south Sudan advocating for peace, justice, unity and democracy,
We feel it is our responsibility to speak out against false treason charges currently leveled against Dr. Riak by the government of south Sudan. These charges appear to be politically motivated, with no substantial evidence to justify such serious accusations . This situation is not just an attack on Dr. Riak, but a threat to the peace and democratic future that all south sudanese citizens deserve.
Dr. Riak has been a tireless advocate for national dialogue , peace building, and the protection of human rights in south Sudan.
His actions throughout the years have been centered around the values of reconciliation and unity for our nation.
Therefore,the false charges leveled against him risk undoing the hard earned peace we have collectively worked together.
Let us see the impact of these charges on social security and stability,the unjust detention and prosecution of Dr. Riak increases tensions among south Sudanese citizens , contributing to atmosphere of fear and mistrust. Such action deepen the divisions and undermines the social fabric needed for peaceful coexistence.
In regard to peace process,the ongoing peace process, guided by the Revitalize agreement on the resolution of conflict in south Sudan ( R_ARCSS) has been fragile but vital. Political repression undermines this agreement and creates a setback in the reconciliation efforts that we as a country, have pain takingly pursued .
On political engagement,these charges signal a troubling trend where political dissent is met with judicial overreach, thereby narrowing the space for peaceful political expression.
This threatens the core principles of democracy and discourages citizens and political actors from participating from constructive dialogue .
