Youth leaders from the Bahr el Ghazal region have urged President Salva Kiir Mayardit to release former government officials who are detained or under house arrest in Juba, or ensure that those facing criminal allegations are brought before competent courts.
In a joint statement issued in Juba on Wednesday, representatives of youth organisations from the region’s four states and the Abyei Administrative Area called on Kiir to review the cases ahead of general elections scheduled for Dec. 22, 2026.
The appeal comes days after Gen. Mawien Mathiang Gor, chairperson of the Awan Pajok Community, warned against calls for the release of former vice-president Benjamin Bol Mel, accusing him of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow Kiir.
The youth leaders said their appeal is motivated by concerns about peace, justice, national unity and the country’s future. They stressed the importance of constitutional governance, the rule of law and respect for the dignity of every citizen.
“We, the Bahr el Ghazal youth leaders, consider it our responsibility to speak not out of political hostility or confrontation, but out of genuine concern for peace, justice and national unity and the future of our country,” the statement said.
They said respect for the constitution and the rule of law was essential to safeguarding South Sudan’s independence and peace after decades of conflict.
The statement, addressed to Kiir, who also hails from the Bahr el Ghazal region, called for a review of the cases of individuals held at the National Security Service’s Blue House detention facility or under house arrest. It urged the authorities to release those whose detention lacks a lawful basis and promptly bring those facing criminal allegations before competent courts.
The individuals named in the statement are Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, Bol Mel, Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater, Gen. Dominic Juuk, Dr. Chan Andrea Mot, Eng. Deng Lual Wol, Makur Deng Maguang, Eng. John Kot Chol, Bol Malang, Gen. Wang Chany Thian, Majok Thiel, Simon Akuei Deng, Gen. Christo Thon Magoordit, Amb. Ajiing Deng Ajiing, Lt. Gen. Marshall Stephen Babanen and Chan Malong.
Kuc headed the National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau until his dismissal in October 2024 and is under house arrest. Bol Mel, a businessman appointed vice-president for the Economic Cluster in February 2025, was dismissed by Kiir in November 2025 and subsequently placed under house arrest.
Both Kuc and Bol Mel hail from the Bahr el Ghazal region.
The youth leaders said they are not seeking to determine the guilt or innocence of the individuals but were calling for the law to be applied equally and without discrimination.
The statement also expressed concern about the intimidation and harassment of young people who peacefully express their views. It urged security institutions to protect civil liberties and called for an inclusive environment in which citizens could participate freely in the electoral process.
The youth leaders also called for greater accountability, stronger public confidence in national institutions and respect for all communities, warning against discrimination and divisions based on community identity.
They said the appeal had been made in good faith and with respect for the presidency, expressing hope that it would contribute to peace, justice and national progress.
The statement was signed by James Maluac Malith, chairperson of the Bahr el Ghazal Youth Union; Justine Majur Majak, chairperson of the Lakes State Youth Union; and Wol Deng Wol, chairperson of the Aweil Youth Union.
Other signatories include Joseph Gabriel Kuch, chairperson of the Luo Bahr el Ghazal Youth Association; Monytuch Mayol Changath, secretary-general and representative of the Abyei Youth Association chairperson in Juba; and Madut Gabriel Thokriel, chairperson of the Tonj Youth Union and Warrap representative.
Kiir’s office could not immediately be reached for comment.
and then