Civil rights activist Bol Deng Bol and organizers of peaceful protests in Bor, Jonglei State, are now in hiding due to threats of arrest by authorities. The protests, ongoing for two weeks, were triggered by high living costs and delayed civil servant salaries.
Bol, the Executive Director of an advocacy group in Bor, faced accusations of inciting the protests during a meeting at the state legislative assembly. Despite explicit threats, Bol held the Bor County Commissioner responsible for any harm that may come to him or other protesters.
Protesters demand government intervention to tackle economic challenges and address salary delays for civil servants and organized forces. While acknowledging the citizens’ right to peaceful protests, Jonglei State Police Commissioner stressed the lack of official permission from the police for the demonstrations.
Although South Sudan’s constitution protects freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, laws like the National Security Service Act of 2014 can restrict these rights. Protest organizers remain committed to their cause and vow to continue demonstrating until salaries are paid.