Prominent women’s rights activist picked by suspected national security agents

JUBA — Prominent South Sudanese women’s rights activist Jackline Nasiwa was on Tuesday picked up from her office in Juba by suspected national security agents, sparking outrage among civil society groups and raising fresh concerns over the shrinking space for activism in the country.

Ms Nasiwa is the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ), an organisation known for its advocacy on women’s rights, accountability, and inclusive governance. Witnesses said armed personnel arrived at her office and took her away without presenting an arrest warrant or offering any explanation to her colleagues.

As of Tuesday evening, authorities had not issued any official statement on the reasons for her detention or disclosed her whereabouts, prompting growing anxiety among fellow activists and human rights defenders.

Civil society leader Ter Manyang Gatwech condemned the incident, describing it as an unlawful abduction and a direct attack on fundamental freedoms.

“Our colleague, Jackline Nasiwa, along with her colleagues, was just kidnapped from their office a few minutes ago,” Gatwech said in a statement. “I urgently call upon all security personnel to respect the principles of freedom of expression, assembly, and association as guaranteed under the Transitional Constitution. Immediate action is needed to ensure their safety.”

He further called on civil society groups, diplomatic missions, and international human rights organisations to urgently intervene and demand the activist’s release.

“We must stand together in demanding their immediate release and protection,” he added.

Ms Nasiwa is widely regarded as one of South Sudan’s leading voices on gender justice and civic participation. Her detention has reignited fears among activists that security agencies are increasingly targeting civil society actors critical of governance and human rights conditions in the country.

Observers warn that such actions risk undermining the already fragile civic environment ahead of key political processes, including preparations for national elections.

By press time, government and security officials had not responded to requests for comment.