According to Gatluak’s family, armed security personnel arrived at the residence and instructed the children to leave before conducting a search of the premises in an operation that has sparked concern over civilian safety.
Relatives said the officers did not present an arrest warrant or provide an explanation for the raid, leaving family members frightened and uncertain about the motive behind the operation.
The former commissioner, who is affiliated with the National Democratic Movement (NDM), described the incident as an act of intimidation and a violation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which guarantees the protection of civilians, political actors, and their families.
“What happened constitutes violence and a breach of the peace agreement,” Gatluak said. “Dislodging children from their homes during a security operation spreads fear and undermines confidence in the peace process.”
His wife condemned the conduct of the security forces, saying the manner in which the raid was carried out placed innocent family members at risk and violated basic standards of human dignity.
“Forcing children out of their home is reckless and unacceptable,” she said. “This is not how peace and security should be upheld.”
Eyewitnesses in the area described the raid as targeted and heavy-handed. Some community members expressed concern that families of former officials associated with opposition groups are increasingly subjected to harassment and intimidation, raising fears of collective punishment.
Gatluak further alleged that the raid was ordered by John Matip Gatluok, the newly appointed commissioner of Mayendit County, who replaced him in office. He accused the new commissioner of pursuing politically motivated actions that disregard both human rights and the provisions of the R-ARCSS.
The peace agreement obliges all parties to protect civilians and refrain from arbitrary searches and intimidation. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that violations by security forces risk eroding public trust in the fragile peace process.
By the time of publication, neither the police nor the SSPDF had issued an official statement on the raid.
