Demand for immediate release of Dr. Riek Machar from unlawful house detention

 

Demand for Immediate Release of Dr. Riek Machar from Unlawful House Detention

 By: Philemon Daud Tom

The demands for the release of Dr. Riek Machar, a prominent political figure and leader, from what is widely regarded as unlawful house detention has ignited a wave of passionate advocacy and public outcry across the nation and beyond. IGAD, AU, Civil society, political groups, international organizations, and concerned citizens have united in calling for his immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Riek Machar for the interest of peace and development in South Sudan. The situation surrounding Dr. Machar’s detention not only raises pressing questions about the rule of law and human rights but also highlights the delicate balance of peace and reconciliation efforts in the country. Unlawful house detention of Dr. Machar without charges raises a serious concern about the violation of peace agreement, abuse of power and tribally weaponized political system to target opponents that have different views on leadership failures.

Dr. Riek Machar is a peace-loving leader, well-known politician, former Vice President, and a key figure in the historical and architecture of ongoing implementation of peace agreement in South Sudan. As a leader with considerable influence, Machar has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny. His visions and strategic objective is to reform governance institutions, security sectors, build place to call home for the people, transforming economic system, reconciling the nation through justice and accountability; and enact a permanent constitution that leads to free, fair and democratic election.

Throughout the nation’s journey toward independence and subsequent periods of unrest, Dr. Machar has been the champion of peaceful conflict resolutions, beacon of hope, navigating the complexity of ethnic weaponized politics, resources disputes, and international mediation efforts. Despite periods of conflict and fragile peace agreements, he has remained a central stakeholder in the country’s path toward reconciliation and democratic governance.

For the last three months, Dr. Machar has been unlawful held under house detention without formal charges or due process. While the government of Salva Kiir hided details of Dr Machar house detention from the public, various reliable sources contend that this confinement is not supported by a legitimate legal framework, and that Machar’s freedom of movement, communication, and association have been severely curtailed.

His illegal house detention has drawn condemnation from a broad spectrum of actors including local leaders, humanitarian bodies, and foreign diplomats who view the detention as a violation of fundamental rights enshrined both in national laws and international conventions. Dr. Machar illegal detention badly damage image of South Sudan when the government refused to allow delegations of IGAD, AU and TRIOKA to meet Dr. Riek Machar to forge alternative for dialogue and reconciliation. The detention of Dr. Machar raises profound questions about the adherence to legal norms and the principles of justice. According to the constitution and statutory laws, any deprivation of liberty must be justified with clear legal grounds, and the detained individual must have access to legal representation, fair trial guarantees, and the right to challenge the legality of their detention before a competent court. Failure of the government to present Dr. Machar to court is a violation of the legal procedures which proves that they have no case against him.

 Even the human rights organizations have underscored that house detention, in the absence of due process, amounts to arbitrary detention under international law. The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and numerous treaties to which the country is a party, explicitly protect individuals from unlawful or arbitrary arrest and detention. The failure to adhere to these standards undermines the rule of law and creates a precedent for further abuses.

South Sudanese response reaction to illegal detention of Dr. Machar has been resounding and multifaceted; and statements from grassroots organizations have filled the public discussion on social media platforms; and echoing a clear message: Dr. Machar must be released without delay. The outpouring of support has transcended political, ethnic, and regional divides, fostering a rare sense of solidarity among the population. For the sake of peace and stability, the people demand government to release Dr. Riek Machar.

The appeal for Dr. Machar release has resonated beyond national borders. International human rights organizations have issued urgent appeals, while diplomatic missions and regional bodies have called upon the government to uphold legal standards and release him immediately. The African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations have all expressed concern, warning that continued detention without due process risks destabilizing the delicate peace process.

Dr. Machar’s detention is not an isolated incident; it is entwined with the broader political dynamics that have shaped the country’s modern history. The ongoing peace process, already fragile, has been further strained by his absence from the political arena. Stakeholders fear that the prolonged detention of such an influential figure could reignite tensions, fuel mistrust, and undermine efforts to build lasting peace.

Peace agreements, painstakingly negotiated by parties in conflict and international mediators, hinge upon the participation of all key actors. The exclusion of Dr. Machar from the process jeopardizes the implementation of critical reforms and risks plunging the country back into uncertainty. In this context, advocates argue that upholding the rights and freedoms of all political leaders is essential not only for individual justice but for the collective well-being of the nation.

Immediate release of Dr. Machar is seen as an imperative step toward restoring confidence in democratic institutions and the legal system. Legal scholars and political analysts have emphasized that the government must demonstrate its commitment to constitutional principles by adhering to transparent, lawful procedure especially when dealing with high-profile cases. Respect for the rule of law is the bedrock of any democracy. Arbitrary actions by authorities erode public trust and threaten the legitimacy of governance structures. Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, are treated fairly and justly is foundational to a peaceful and prosperous society.

 Demand for Dr. Machar’s release is not merely a political issue but a matter of human dignity. The deprivation of liberty without legal justification violates universal moral and ethical standards. Families, friends, and supporters of Dr. Machar have spoken out about the emotional and psychological toll of his detention, emphasizing that “justice delayed is justice denied.” The government has a moral obligation to respect the humanity of all its citizens and to set an example of compassion and fairness. Upholding human rights, even in times of political strife, is essential for national healing and reconciliation.

For the interest peace, the people of South Sudan demand release of Dr. Riek Machar from unlawful house detention has become a defining moment for the pursuit of justice, peace, and democratic integrity. It is a clarion call to leaders, institutions, and the international community to stand firm in defense of basic rights and freedoms. Whether motivated by legal principle, ethical conviction, or pragmatic concern for political stability, the urgent appeal for Dr. Machar’s immediate release has united diverse voices in a common cause. The path forward, South Sudanese argue, must be guided by the rule of law, respect for human rights, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals that underpin a free and just society.

Path Foreword, president Salva Kiir must immediately release Dr. Machar, open the parliament, return to the implementation of peace agreement and focus on strategic objectives for the development of South Sudan. War destroy lives, displaces citizen but collectively shoulder responsibility in spirit of dialogue and reconciliation in which would pave political opportunity to transform South Sudan into political, military and economic powerhouse in the region.

In the face of uncertainty, the people stand resolute, calling upon the leaders to heed the will of the people and uphold the fundamental values upon which true peace and democracy are built.