JUBA – Concern is mounting over the whereabouts of a prominent South Sudanese human rights lawyer, Polit Gok War, who reportedly went missing shortly after attending a court hearing involving First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar in Juba.
The incident has raised concern among family members and civil society organizations, who described the lawyer’s disappearance as alarming and called on authorities to disclose his whereabouts.
According to human rights activist Ter Manyang Gatwech, lawyer counsel Polit Gok War was last seen at around 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday when he left his residence to attend court proceedings at Freedom Hall in Juba.
“This is to inform the public that yesterday at approximately 6:30 a.m. South Sudanese local time, Counsel Polit Gok War left his residence to attend court proceedings at Freedom Hall in Juba. Since then, he has not returned home, and his whereabouts remain unknown,” Manyang said in a statement extended to Sudans Post on Wednesday.
Manyang said the family members, colleagues, and fellow rights advocates say they have been unable to establish contact with him since then.
“These circumstances have raised serious concerns among his family, friends, and colleagues.
“Counsel Polit Gok War is a respected member of the Lou Nuer community and a committed advocate who has actively participated in meetings, workshops, and public affairs.”
He said available information indicates that the lawyer’s bag and laptop were found in his office at City Hall, while his mobile phone has remained switched off.
Manyang expressed concern over the arrest or disappearance of young people and human rights advocates without due process or lawful justification, describing it as deeply troubling.
“I personally knew him during my time in Juba, where we worked together on various civic and community initiatives,” he said.
He called on the authorities to disclose his whereabouts, emphasizing that individuals should not be targeted for their views on matters of public interest or state affairs.
“Respect for human rights, the rule of law, and due process must be upheld at all times. I therefore call upon the National Security Service (NSS) and Military Intelligence (MI) to clarify Counsel Polit Gok War’s whereabouts,” he said.
Manyang also urged the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently to ensure his safety and uphold justice.
“If he is being held by any state authority, he should be presented before the appropriate legal authorities, handed over to the police, or brought before a competent court in accordance with the law.”
For his part, Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment Progress Organisation (CEPO), expressed serious concern over what he described as the “unlawful arrest” of human rights lawyer Polit Gok.
“The arrest of a human rights lawyer by state security agencies is a clear indication of restrictions on monitoring the transparency of the special court’s proceedings. If lawyers like Polit Gok are in conflict with the law, then due legal procedures should be followed by the police,” Yakani said.
