Youth leader William Angok Ngor has been released after being questioned by National Security officials over comments he made urging political leaders to focus on public service delivery rather than political campaigns.
Angok, a former Twic Mayardit youth leader and member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) youth league, resurfaced on Friday after his family and friends reported him missing earlier in the day, raising concerns about his whereabouts.
Speaking after his release, Angok said he had been summoned by National Security and taken to its headquarters in Juba, commonly known as the Blue House, where he was questioned for several hours before being allowed to return home.
According to Angok, he reported to the security offices at around 9:00 a.m. and was released at approximately 3:00 p.m. after receiving what he described as a final warning from security officials.
The questioning was reportedly linked to remarks he recently made in Twic County ahead of a planned visit by Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol.
The Vice President had been expected to attend the funeral of a protocol officer who died in a road accident.
In his public remarks, Angok encouraged residents to use the opportunity of the Vice President’s visit to raise concerns about the lack of basic services and development projects in the area.
He urged citizens to demand improvements in roads, healthcare services, and other essential public services.
National Security officials reportedly informed Angok during the interrogation that his statements had contributed to the cancellation of the Vice President’s planned visit to Twic County.
The youth leader has recently drawn attention on social media and in local political circles after openly criticizing what he described as the ruling party’s emphasis on political mobilization instead of addressing the everyday needs of citizens.
In one widely circulated statement, Angok challenged political leaders to prioritize the construction of roads, the provision of medicines in hospitals, and the delivery of essential services rather than distributing campaign materials and promoting political slogans.
His comments sparked debate among supporters and critics, with some praising his call for accountability and improved service delivery, while others viewed the remarks as politically sensitive.
A close associate had earlier confirmed that Angok was being held for questioning, though details surrounding his detention remained unclear at the time.
His disappearance prompted concern among family members and colleagues, who sought information about his whereabouts throughout the day.
Following his release, Angok said he was safe and had returned to his family. He did not indicate whether further action would be taken against him but acknowledged receiving a warning from security authorities regarding his public statements.
The incident has renewed discussions about freedom of expression, civic engagement, and the role of youth leaders in holding public officials accountable for service delivery in South Sudan.
No official statement had been issued by National Security regarding the circumstances surrounding Angok’s questioning and release by the time of publication.
