Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on Wednesday that South Sudanese security forces have engaged in widespread human rights violations against civilians, including arbitrary arrests and torture. These actions are purportedly part of a crackdown on criminal gangs in the capital, Juba. HRW is calling for an immediate halt to these violations and for thorough investigations into the allegations.
Since late June 2025, security forces in South Sudan have conducted a series of arbitrary arrests, claiming to combat criminality. According to Nyagoah Tut Pur, a researcher at HRW, “Instead of responding to real concerns around criminality, the security forces have used this law enforcement campaign to commit serious abuses against marginalized children and young people.” Detainees have reported experiences of torture, ill-treatment, extortion, and forced conscription during their time in custody.
Conditions in detention facilities have reportedly worsened, with detainees facing beatings, deprivation of food and water, and instances of sexual violence against women and girls. HRW emphasizes that international human rights law prohibits the recruitment of children into armed conflicts, establishing 18 as the minimum legal age for conscription. The organization also highlighted that families of detainees are often left uninformed about their loved ones’ whereabouts, raising concerns about enforced disappearances.
In response to these allegations, South Sudanese police have denied claims of forced conscription and disappearances. They assert that their operations specifically target criminals and contend that some detainees were relocated to other facilities outside of Juba due to overcrowding.
The ongoing situation in South Sudan is rooted in a protracted conflict that has persisted since 2013, driven by tensions between ethnic groups loyal to former President Salva Kiir and those supporting Riek Machar. Although a peace agreement was signed in 2018, sporadic armed clashes have continued, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis and the displacement of millions of citizens.
The United Nations has warned of a high risk of renewed conflict if violent incidents escalate further. In October 2025, the UN noted the troubling involvement of political leaders in corruption cases, which have exacerbated the humanitarian situation. In a significant legal development, a court recently charged Vice President Riek Machar with murder and crimes against humanity related to assaults against security forces.
Reports indicate that South Sudanese political figures have diverted billions in public funds, denying the population access to essential services like food and healthcare. As the situation develops, the call for accountability and adherence to international human rights standards remains crucial.
