Western Bahr El-Ghazal State Gen. Sharif Daniel Sharif last Friday y released 24 inmates from Wau Prison as part of Ramadan 2026 festivities.
The governor’s decision, said to have been made in consultation with legal authorities and prison administrators, targeted women and juveniles who could not pay court fines of less than four million South Sudanese Pounds.
Rodolf Andrea, the state’s cabinet affairs minister, confirmed the pardons and said the governor also donated food items and cattle to the prison as a gesture of goodwill.
“This act demonstrates the government’s commitment to easing the burden on Wau Prison while sharing the spirit of Ramadan with those in need,” Andrea said.
Wau Prison Director Gen. Mariec Citak welcomed the move, citing persistent overcrowding and food shortages.
“We are grateful to Governor Sharif for his cooperation,” he stated. “By releasing 15 women and 9 juveniles, he has helped reduce congestion and responded to our appeals.”
Among the freed inmates was Mary Angowec, who expressed deep gratitude.
“I was imprisoned after intervening in a family dispute. I spent three months behind bars and missed my son’s surgery,” she said. “I never expected freedom today, but I thank the governor for giving me this chance.”
Authorities report that Wau Prison currently houses more than 950 inmates, far exceeding its capacity.