Government, panic-stricken, orders freezing of bank accounts linked to PCCA activists

South Sudan Government on Wednesday afternoon ordered for the blocking and freezing of bank accounts linked to five (PCCA) People’s Coalition for Civil Action activists.

The order was made to the commercial banks operating the bank accounts for the activists through the Central Bank Department for Supervision, Research and Statistics.

“In reference to the subject mentioned above, you are hereby directed to freeze and block all the bank accounts of the below individuals with immediate effect,” read a statement released by Director-General for Supervision, Research and Statistics, Mr Makur Deng.

The individuals targeted by the decision include Michael Wani (Okay Africa Foundation), Kuel Aguer (Sudd Institute), Abraham Awolic (Sudd Institute), Rajab Mohandis (Organization for Responsive Governance), James David Kolok (Foundation for Democracy and Accountable Governance).

The Government did not state the reasons for the drastic decision, nor did they quote any section of the laws contravened by the activists.

The decision comes a month after PCCA signatories called for a mass civil uprising against the Government for failing to provide good services and accountability to the civil populace.

Since then, Kuel Aguer Kuel has been placed in detention by National Security Service, where his health is undergoing severe deterioration. Calls for his release have been falling on deaf ears.

Abraham Awolic and Rajab Mohandis have since run into hiding as they’re being trailed by security apparatus.

Jame David Kolok reported threats of arrest a few weeks ago after two of his staff were bundled up by security apparatus. They were later released without charges after investigations.

Reacting to the news of accounts freezing, renowned government critic Wani Michael said that he was glad that ‘he didn’t get penalized for killing someone, but for speaking up against the looters”.

“The freezing of accounts of Individuals and organizations makes the cause of the PCCA even more valid. Someone really fears the voice of the people!”, said Abraham Awolic in social media group chat.