By Emmanuel Mandella

As a sign of leniency and national unity during the independence celebrations, authorities in Mvolo County in Western Equatoria State, have released seven inmates convicted of minor offenses.

The inmates were released by Mvolo County Commissioner, Ruben Amaai Majok. 

Among those released were two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, detained under Section 293 of the South Sudan Penal Code (2008 Amendment), and one woman who had been convicted under Section 348 of the same code. All had been serving time for minor, non-violent offenses.

“The 14th Anniversary of our Independence Day is a great moment for reflection and compassion, and it gives me the privilege as County Commissioner to free those who were convicted for minor offenses in the County. This act is both symbolic and humane,” Commissioner Amaai declared in his official order.

The commissioner emphasized that the decision was reached after a thorough review of inmate files by the Mvolo County Prison Services Department. The release took effect immediately on July 9, with all law enforcement agencies instructed to implement the order without delay.

This move echoes similar gestures of goodwill observed in Western Equatoria State in previous years. In July 2021, then-Commissioner of Nzara County also released a group of inmates during Independence Day celebrations, citing reconciliation and national healing as primary motive.

A local human rights activist in Mvolo welcomed the decision, saying it sets an important precedent.

“This is a commendable act of restorative justice,” said Mary Beda, a women’s rights advocate based in Mvolo. “Releasing minors and low-risk offenders decongests prisons and also gives these individuals a second chance to become productive members of society.”

Community members expressed mixed reactions, with some calling for continued monitoring and support for those released.

The Independence Day amnesty reinforces the state’s commitment to justice, reconciliation, and human dignity, especially as the country continues on its path toward peace and structural justice.