Dr Dhiew Mathok, former Investment Minister - Courtesy

Dr. Dhieu Mathok, the former Minister of Investment, has formally denounced the arrest of two Members of Parliament, characterizing the detention as a direct violation of their constitutional rights and a blow to political freedom.

This week, authorities arrested Hon. Kom Kom Geng, Chairperson of the Security and Public Order Committee, MP representing Aweil East County, SPLM ticket and Hon. Ayii Ayii Akol, brother to Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol.

Dr. Dhieu was responding to what he described as accusations that his recent writings in social media fora were intended to incite the Aweil community against the government, dismissing the claims as incorrect.

“I would like to inform Hussein Abdelbagi [Vice President], Deng Wal [The Executive Director in the Office of the President] and anyone else who believes that my writings are intended to instigate the Aweil community against the government that you are mistaken,” Dr. Mathok said.

Reacting to the arrests, Dr. Mathok said elected representatives should not be targeted for performing their constitutional duties. “The real instigation against South Sudanese people comes from your decision to arrest MPs simply for exercising their constitutional rights,” he stated.

Dr. Mathok further dismissed speculation that he had gone into hiding amid the political developments. “Please stop speculating that I am in hiding. I am here in Juba,” he added.

The developments have triggered renewed discussion on political freedoms, civic space, and the treatment of elected officials in South Sudan.