The Coordinator for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Lakes State has called on the State Ministry of Education and South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) in the state to unconditionally release detained teachers adding that the detention amounts to a violation of civil rights.
The call came after the state government officials arrested 12 teachers as a result of a peaceful protest staged by teachers in Lakes capital Rumbek on Monday. The teachers marched to State Assembly to present their grievances on salary increments and allowances.
The Minister ordered the detention of Ustaz Ater Ariau, Mabor Malith, Ater Ahou, Emanuel Mapuor Mabor, Nelson Arop Majak, Makur Machok, Paul Thon Malual, Emmanuel Gor, and Deng William among others.
Daniel Laat Kon said he condemned the unlawful detention in the strongest term possible adding that the educators should be immediately released.
“It’s their right to demand their allowances as per new salary scales. The Ministry shouldn’t use detention as a tradition to intimidate and harassed teachers. I urge the state Governor to immediately intervene and secure the release of school teachers without preconditions. The rights and freedoms of individuals and groups enshrined in our Constitution and other laws should be respected. upheld and promoted by all organs and agencies of Government and by all persons.
“The Transitional Constitution of South Sudan article 24 (l) stipulates that every citizen shall have the right to the freedom of expression, reception, and dissemination of information. publication, and access to the press without prejudice to public order. safety or morals as prescribed by law. The State Ministry of Education needs to sit down with teachers and address their grievances with care and in an administrative manner,”.
Meanwhile, State Police Spokesperson Elijah Mabor Makuach said that he is not informed about the case.
