BOR – A civil society group in Jonglei State has condemned threats issued by the office of Jonglei State governor against award-winning activist Bol Deng Bol on August 31, urging the government to promote civic space and embrace tolerance.
Khor Peter Gatluak – who identifies himself as official media personnel at Governor Dr. Riek Gai’s office – published a statement titled “Serious Warning to Mr. Bol Deng Bol”, accusing Deng of spreading misleading information against the government. Gatluak did not provide evidence for the alleged wrongdoing.
“We call upon Mr. Deng Bol to stop spreading false narratives. The government of Jonglei State is working tirelessly to restore stability, improve service delivery and make Jonglei great again,” reads part of the statement, which was later deleted after triggering backlash.
It is not clear why the official is accusing the activist. However, Deng is a vocal advocate for civil liberty and has been holding sensitization workshops in the state on the importance of civic space, press freedom and human rights.
Reacting to the statement, Intrepid South Sudan, the organization led by Deng, expressed concern “for safety of the Activist in question and the deteriorating status of the freedom of expression in Jonglei state, following this stern intimidation.”
It calls on Jonglei Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok to guarantee civic space by not only demonstrating tolerance, but also promoting and protection of media independence, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association.
The watchdog said those are the major pillars of a democratic governance system that South Sudan is harnessing.
Deng is also the chairperson of Jonglei State Civil Society Network.
