Aweil East County Youth Union has urged authorities to either charge or release senior Northern Bahr el Ghazal officials detained over alleged corruption.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Juba on Sunday, where the youth body urged authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees of due process and the rule of law.
Among those named are former Vice President and former Chairperson of the Economic Cluster Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, former First Undersecretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning Garang Majak Bol, and former Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Eng. Deng Lual Wol.
The officials were detained by the National Security Service between December 2025 and January 2026 over allegations of graft, although no formal charges have been publicly announced.
Speaking to journalists, the union’s Information Secretary, Mark Aguot Diing, said every citizen is entitled to fair and timely legal treatment.
“It is in this spirit that we appeal to H.E. the President and the relevant authorities to either release those detained without due legal procedures or present them before a competent court as required by the laws of South Sudan,” Aguot said.
He argued that the prolonged detention of the officials without appearing before a court raises concerns about compliance with the country’s legal framework and constitutional protections.
The union’s Secretary General, Kuol Amet Bol, said the petition is rooted in constitutional provisions that guarantee personal liberty and equality before the law.
“For the national interest, we believe that addressing this matter through due legal process will strengthen the rule of law and enhance public confidence in state institutions,” Kuol said.
He cited Articles 12 and 14 of the Transitional Constitution, which provide safeguards against arbitrary detention and affirm equal protection under the law for all citizens.
The youth union appealed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to direct the relevant authorities to either charge the detained officials, bring them before a competent court, or release them unconditionally.
It also called for immediate access to legal representation for the detainees and a review of their detention to ensure compliance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.
The youth leaders further urged the President to use the ongoing Bahr el Ghazal peace mission as an opportunity to announce the release of the detained officials and others.
They argued that such a move would support reconciliation efforts and demonstrate the government’s commitment to justice, national unity, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel was placed under house arrest in Juba after being dismissed from office by President Kiir. He was detained alongside several officials linked to his administration, including Deng Lual Wol and Garang Majak Bol, both natives of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
The government has not publicly responded to the petition.
