Lakes State Governor Orders Release
Three senior SPLM-IO figures left detention in Rumbek after Governor Rin Tueny Mabor signed a release order.
Lawmakers Ater Akolde and Kaman Makuenyar Achien joined Youth League head Mandela Machiek outside prison walls, ending five uneasy months.
Remaining Detentions Stir Debate
Deputy Governor Dr. Isaiah Akhol Mathiang and Fisheries Minister Samuel Gai Magok remain in custody. Officials say investigations continue, yet activists argue prolonged detention without trial undermines the revitalized peace deal.
Acting information minister William Koji Kerjok maintains both men are safe and will face court if charges materialize.
Families and Civil Society React
Relatives welcomed Saturday’s order. Apen Majur, wife of Akolde, said by phone she cried with relief after four months of silence.
Daniel Laat Kon Ater of CEPO branded the release ‘a positive signal’, urging equal treatment for the two officials still behind bars.
Next Steps and Political Climate
Governor Mabor, currently in Juba, has yet to lift the suspensions that prevent the freed trio from resuming legislative work.
Analysts note the gesture may ease tensions within Lakes State while testing the unity mechanisms embedded in South Sudan’s 2018 peace accords.
Observers will watch court proceedings or further pardons to gauge the trajectory of political freedoms ahead of the country’s planned elections.