Achan Agoth Akiec, a former adviser to South Sudan’s First Lady Mary Ayen Mayardit, has been released after spending about three months in National Security Service (NSS) detention, her family said.
Achan was released on Thursday, Aug. 20, while two members of parliament (MPs) arrested alongside her remain in detention.
Achan, a Juba-based businesswoman who previously served as a senior and special adviser in the Office of the First Lady, was arrested in Juba on May 19 alongside two MPs representing the Aweil East constituency. They were accused of forging President Salva Kiir’s signature.
The three were also accused by the NSS of forgery, unlawful use of presidential authority, smuggling documents and interfering with an investigation involving 16 detainees, including former Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, who has been held over alleged financial and related crimes.
The NSS, which filed the complaint, opened criminal case No. 1891 on May 13 through the Northern Police Division and public prosecutors before forwarding the case to parliament to seek the lifting of the two lawmakers’ immunity, according to the security agency.
Achan is from Twic County in Warrap State, while the two lawmakers, Kom Kom Geng and Ayii Akol, are from Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
Family relief
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj over the weekend, Ayuel Bol Malek, who spoke on behalf of Achan’s family, said relatives were relieved by her release.
“After a difficult and painful period of uncertainty, we, the family, welcome Achan’s return to her loved ones and are grateful that she is once again reunited with her family,” Malek said.
The family thanked relatives, friends, colleagues, community and religious leaders, and others who supported them through prayers, advocacy and moral support during her detention.
Malek said the family also appreciates those who had worked “quietly and responsibly” towards securing her release.
He called for calm and respect for Achan’s privacy as she reunites with her family and recovers from the emotional strain of detention.
The family said it remains committed to seeking truth, justice and reconciliation, as well as protecting the rights and dignity of South Sudanese citizens.
“We thank God for bringing Achan safely back to her family. Her release is a moment of relief and renewed hope, and we pray for continued peace, healing and unity for our family and our country,” the statement said.
Security scrutiny
South Sudan’s security agencies have faced criticism from activists and international observers over prolonged detention and restrictions on civic and political freedoms.
The National Security Service Act gives the NSS broad powers to arrest and detain suspects without warrants. South Sudanese law requires detainees to be brought before a court within 24 hours of arrest, although rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about compliance with the requirement.
Achan’s release comes as the government faces scrutiny over the detention of political figures ahead of elections scheduled for December 2026.
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