Akec dismisses arrest rumors after election comments

JUBA – Following his criticism of calls for South Sudan’s 2024 elections, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Juba, Professor Akec, has refuted online claims of his arrest by the National Security Service (NSS).

On X (formerly Twitter), Akec expressed concerns about the country’s preparedness for a democratic transition, citing the lack of professionalism and political neutrality within the security forces.

“An ethnically composed, politically aligned, poorly trained, and under-resourced army cannot be relied upon to be professional or politically neutral during elections,” he wrote. “This country is not ripe for a democratic transition.”

These comments sparked social media rumors claiming Akec’s arrest by the NSS, allegedly prompted by his post. Activists reported his abduction by an NSS vehicle on Monday evening.

Contacted by Sudans Post, Akec strongly denied the arrest but declined to offer any motive behind the misinformation.

“Do you believe that I am arrested? What other evidence do you want?” he retorted when questioned about the allegations. “That is not true. I cannot comment and cannot respond to rumors. All I am telling you is that it is not true. Why they are doing that, I have no idea.”

Meanwhile, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), expressed concern about the rise of “dangerous” election-related fake news, potentially jeopardizing South Sudan’s first democratic elections.

“CEPO notes a rise in fake news associated with public discussions about the fate of the looming elections,” Yakani stated in an email to Sudans Post.

“This is dangerous, and social media users should sincerely take responsibility for distancing themselves from fake news, misinformation, and disinformation on the pathway to the conduct of the forthcoming elections in December 2024,” he added.