Exiled South Sudan Activist Faces Death Threats from National Security Service Amid Rising Intimidation Tactics

By Majur Chol Khor,

Mr. Elijah Luk, a South Sudanese human rights activist currently living in exile, has revealed that he is under serious threat to his life from the National Security Service (NSS) of South Sudan. Luk’s activism has made him a target, as he continues to speak out against human rights abuses and advocate for democracy in a nation plagued by violence and oppression.

On September 4th, 2025, Luk experienced a disturbing escalation in threats, receiving multiple phone calls from individuals claiming to be NSS operatives. “This is not the first time,” he stated, reflecting on the relentless harassment he has faced since August 9th, 2025. “I have been targeted repeatedly for my activism, which amplifies the voices of the voiceless in South Sudan.”

During the recent incident, Luk received six calls from encrypted numbers. The callers explicitly warned him not to publish articles criticizing the South Sudanese government in foreign media.

“They told me that failure to comply would lead to my forced return to South Sudan and prosecution on fabricated charges,” he recounted. “In South Sudan today, there is no rule of law—only killing and torture.”

The threats against Luk are indicative of a larger pattern of intimidation that South Sudanese human rights defenders face. Many activists have been subjected to kidnappings, acts of violence, and forced returns from neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda, where they seek asylum from the repressive regime in Juba. The situation underscores the dire risks that civil society activists encounter in South Sudan, where dissent is often met with violent reprisals.

Luk has urged the National Police Service of Kenya to investigate the threatening calls that have originated from foreign and encrypted numbers. “As I navigate this treacherous landscape, I appeal for protection,” he emphasized. “These acts of intimidation cannot go unchecked; they represent a threat not only to me but to all who fight for human rights in South Sudan.”

Despite the threats, Luk remains undeterred in his mission. Expressing gratitude for the solidarity shown by international protection agencies and his colleagues, he declared, “While I may be safe for now, I will not be silenced by fear.” He reinforced his commitment to advocating for human rights, stating, “I have committed no crime as an individual—my only role has been to speak up for human rights, democracy, and justice.”

South Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since its independence in 2011, with ongoing political turmoil resulting in widespread violence and human rights violations. Civil society in the country has been severely weakened due to government crackdowns, and the climate of fear surrounding dissent has led many activists into exile. Luk’s account sheds light on the perilous conditions activists continue to endure, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and action.

“I assure the South Sudanese people and the international community that I will stand firm in the struggle for justice and dignity for all citizens,” Luk concluded.