Two youths arrested in hotel in South Sudan’s Kapoeta South, whereabouts unknown

KAPOETA – Two young men, including the chairperson of Kapoeta South County Youth Association, were arrested by South Sudanese soldiers at a hotel in Kapoeta on October 30, and their whereabouts remain unknown, according to a statement issued by the county youth association.

The association identified the detainees as Alexander Lotyam, its chairperson and secretary of the SPLM party in the county, and Mathew Loteyo Lokai Iko, a youth member.

According to the statement dated November 5, the two men visited Junction Inn Hotel in Kapoeta at about 11 p.m. on Friday, October 30.

Lotyam was reportedly arrested after going to the washroom, where he was approached and questioned by Second Lieutenant Patrick Juma Obol, an officer of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

The statement identified Obol as the immediate bodyguard of General David Okot, the division commander deployed in Kapoeta following the Nakeke incident.

Loteyo, who had remained at the hotel, went to look for his friend after becoming concerned about his prolonged absence. He was also arrested by Obol, accompanied by three other soldiers, the association said.

The association cited accounts from the hotel manager and the bodyguard of the Kapoeta South County commissioner, who it said witnessed the arrests. The vehicle belonging to the two youths, which had been parked outside the hotel, was also reportedly driven away by Obol.

The two men have not been seen since their arrest, raising concern among their families, colleagues and friends.

The statement said General Okot had acknowledged the arrests and indicated that the two men would be released that same night. However, their whereabouts remained unknown despite efforts by the county commissioner, the Kapoeta mayor and local youth to establish where they were being held.

The association called on the state and national governments to intervene and establish the whereabouts of the two men.

“We demand their immediate release or that they be brought before the appropriate legal authorities without further delay,” the statement said.

It also called on security authorities to provide information about the detainees and ensure that their rights were respected.

The association further requested an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests, saying authorities should establish the reasons the two men were detained.

“We urge all responsible authorities to act swiftly and transparently to bring this matter to a peaceful and lawful resolution,” the statement said.

The association also appealed to relatives and community members to remain calm while pursuing justice for the two youths.

The statement was signed by John Take Lomana Lolua, deputy chairperson of Kapoeta South County Youth Association. It did not identify the facility where the two men may be held or provide details of any charges against them.