Authorities in South Sudan’s Lakes State have released three members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) who had been detained in Yirol East County for nearly four months, officials said Sunday.
The released individuals include Khaman Makuei Yar, a member of the Lakes State Assembly representing Rumbek North County; Ater Akolde, who represents Cueibet County; and Mandela Maciek, chairperson of the SPLM-IO Youth League.
The three were arrested following a press conference in which SPLM-IO members in Lakes State condemned the national government over clashes in Nasir County and subsequent airstrikes by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) targeting civilians.
Acting Minister of Information and Communication William Koji Kerjok told Radio Tamazuj that the release followed a directive from the state governor.
“This is to confirm to the public and citizens of Lakes State that, according to the governor’s directive, three of the five detainees arrested during the political crisis have been released,” Koji said.
He said the detainees were linked to the Nasir incident, which allegedly involved political figures from Lakes State, including Deputy Governor Isaiah Akhol and Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries Samuel Gai Magok—both of whom remain in detention.
“The suspension of these members from their duties remains in place unless a new decision is made,” Koji added. “While the three have been released and pardoned, they are advised to refrain from negative politics or inciting conflict within Lakes State or elsewhere in the country.”
Apen Majur, the wife of one of the released detainees, expressed relief over the release.
“I talked to my husband by phone after his release, and he is fine,” she said. “I am grateful to the Lakes State government for releasing him after nearly four months in prison.”
Daniel Laat Kon, the Lakes State coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), welcomed the release and urged authorities to address the cases of the two remaining detainees.
“We appreciate the release, but we urge the state government to either release the deputy governor and the minister or take them to court if charges exist,” he said. “Political freedom is a constitutional right, and if the three were released without trial, it suggests they were not found guilty of any crime.”
Laat also called on the government to allow the released individuals access to medical care and the freedom to reunite with their families.
South Sudan’s constitution requires detainees to be brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. In practice, however, this legal protection is rarely observed.