By The City Review
A prominent civil society leader has called on the government of South Sudan to release political detainees or present them before a competent court of law, warning that continued detention without trial constitutes a serious violation of human rights and the rule of law.
Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) urged national leaders to address the status of political detainees across the country through lawful and humane measures.
Yakani said that while disagreements in governance are common in any political system, detaining individuals indefinitely without presenting them to court undermines justice and contradicts fundamental democratic principles.
“As a civil society activist and human rights defender, I would like to appeal to the leadership of the country to consider releasing political detainees if they cannot be presented before a competent court of law,” Yakani said. “Keeping people in detention facilities without facing a court is a violation of their human rights.”
The appeal comes amid growing concerns from civil society organizations about the treatment of individuals detained for political reasons in various security facilities across the country.
Yakani stressed that seeking forgiveness or release for detainees should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine the rule of law, but rather as a call for lawful and transparent justice.
“An appeal for forgiveness does not mean compromising the application of the law,” he said.
“If individuals are accused of breaking the law, then the competent courts must handle the matter so that justice and accountability prevail.”
Among those mentioned in the appeal is former vice president Benjamin Bol Mel, whom Yakani said remains among individuals whose legal status should be clarified through judicial procedures.
Yakani also referred to the detention of former security officials, including Akol Koor, urging authorities to either present evidence against them in court or allow them to regain their freedom.
The CEPO director emphasized that prolonged detention without trial risks eroding public trust in national institutions and weakening the country’s commitment to human rights standards.
“It is very important that we respect the rule of law and allow competent courts to interpret and apply the law,” Yakani said.
“Justice must be carried out in the courts that have the constitutional mandate to do so.”
Yakani directed his appeal to the country’s top leadership, including the President and senior government officials, urging them to consider releasing detainees as part of efforts to promote national unity and reconciliation.
He noted that the government has often encouraged citizens to forgive one another and move beyond past political disagreements, saying the same spirit should guide decisions regarding detainees.
“With high respect and honor, I appeal to the leadership of the country to consider forgiving political detainees and allowing them to enjoy their human rights like any other citizens,” Yakani said.
He added that reconciliation and mutual understanding are essential for strengthening national cohesion and fostering stability in South Sudan.
Yakani also stressed that the issue of political detainees should be handled in line with international human rights principles and regional commitments.
He pointed to calls from the African Union encouraging member states to address the status of political detainees as part of broader efforts to strengthen democratic governance and human rights protections across the continent.
According to Yakani, addressing the issue through lawful and transparent processes would not only demonstrate respect for human rights but also contribute to rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.
“As South Sudanese, we need to open a new page by forgiving each other and acknowledging mistakes that may have been made,” he said.
“But if anyone is truly in conflict with the law, then let the competent court of law take its course.”
In conclusion, Yakani urged leaders and citizens alike to act in the spirit of national unity and responsibility, saying the release or fair trial of detainees could help the country move toward greater political stability and reconciliation.
“For the sake of our country and our people, we must ensure that justice, accountability, and human dignity remain at the center of our governance,” he said.