The governor’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating prison conditions and a sluggish judicial process in Western Equatoria State

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu, on Thursday ordered for the release of two inmates convicted of minor offences during a visit to Yambio Central Prison, and pledged broader reforms to address chronic challenges facing the judiciary and correctional services in the state.

Badagbu, who was accompanied by prison authorities and state officials, donated food items, which included 30 mattresses and soap to the prisoners, highlighting the harsh living conditions inmates face daily in South Sudan due to the economic hardship.

“The prisoners are lacking basic necessities such as soap, mattresses, and even food. This is unacceptable, and we must act,” Badagbu told reporters during the visit.

The governor’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating prison conditions and a sluggish judicial process in Western Equatoria State, where currently only one judge is serving the entire state, covering Yambio, Maridi, Mundri, and Tombura.

In a move signaling a shift toward rehabilitation rather than mere punishment, Badagbu ordered the immediate release of two inmates serving time for minor offences, stressing the importance of mercy and second chances.

“Our prisons should not be places where minor offenders waste away without hope. We must give people a chance to correct their mistakes and rejoin society,” he said.

Badagbu also committed to reviewing the case of an elderly man incarcerated over a civil dispute involving 1.3 million South Sudanese Pounds. He pledged to engage the presiding judge to understand the circumstances and offer support toward a potential release.

Expressing particular concern about the imprisonment of a 14-year-old boy linked to the pregnancy of an 18-year-old girl, the acting governor vowed to follow up and advocate for appropriate legal handling of juvenile cases.

The visit shed light on the severe judicial bottlenecks facing Western Equatoria State. With only one judge operating across the vast region, many detainees languish in prison for years awaiting trial, a situation that rights groups and legal advocates have described as a violation of human rights.

“The delay in justice is denial of individual rights, and we must address this, I will work closely with the Chief Justice to increase the number of judges posted to Yambio, Maridi, Tombura, and Mundri so that justice can be timely and accessible for all” Badagbu emphasized.

The scarcity of judges not only prolongs the suffering of detainees but also undermines public trust in the judicial system, fueling grievances that threaten stability.

In a broader vision for change, Badagbu’s actions and pledges were welcomed by prison officials and community leaders, who hope his visit marks the beginning of sustainable reforms. His call for humanitarian support and structural change reflects a growing awareness among local leaders that justice and dignity must be at the heart of governance.

As Western Equatoria State grapples with a backlog of court cases, prison overcrowding, and basic humanitarian needs, the Acting Governor’s proactive steps offer a glimpse of hope that with commitment and collaboration, the cycle of neglect can be broken.

“Our prisons should not be places where minor offenders waste away without hope. We must give people a chance to correct their mistakes and rejoin society,” Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu, said.