By Hou Akot Hou
The Greater Bahr el Ghazal Youth Union has welcomed a reported directive from the presidency instructing the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to review the cases of political detainees.
The group described the move as an important confidence-building measure that could strengthen national reconciliation and the implementation of South Sudan’s peace process.
In a letter dated June 17, 2026, and addressed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the youth union commended the presidency for what it described as a bold step toward promoting dialogue, forgiveness, and national unity through lawful procedures.
The letter, signed by the president of the Greater Bahr el Ghazal Youth Union, James Maluac Malith, said the reported directive has renewed hope among many South Sudanese who continue to advocate for reconciliation after years of political instability.
“On behalf of the Bahr el Ghazal Youth Union in Juba and on my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan under your wise leadership for the recent decision to facilitate the release of some leaders from detention,” the letter states.
The union said the initiative sends a positive signal that dialogue remains the preferred path to resolving political differences and achieving lasting peace.
“At a time when our people continue to yearn for lasting peace, unity, and healing, this compassionate gesture has rekindled hope in the hearts of countless South Sudanese. It has sent a powerful message that dialogue is stronger than division, forgiveness is greater than resentment, and reconciliation remains the surest path towards a stable and prosperous nation,” the letter reads.
According to the youth leaders, reviewing the cases of political detainees through established legal procedures would strengthen public confidence in the implementation of the agreement and reinforce trust in state institutions.
The union also recalled President Kiir’s February 2020 decision to return South Sudan from 32 states to 10 states and three administrative areas, describing it as a major political compromise that helped revive the peace agreement and demonstrated the government’s willingness to make difficult decisions in the interest of national stability.
The youth body appealed to the newly appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Wek Mamer, to expedite the legal review of the detainees’ cases in accordance with the Presidency’s reported directive. It said timely action would further enhance confidence in the rule of law and contribute to a peaceful political environment as the country prepares to implement the electoral calendar.
The appeal comes only days after President Kiir reshuffled his cabinet, appointing Wek Mamer to head the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs while transferring Michael Makuei Lueth to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
The union further called on political leaders across the country to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation, saying these principles remain essential for preserving peace and ensuring a credible democratic transition.
It said South Sudan has reached a critical stage in the implementation of the peace agreement and urged all parties to prioritise national interests over political differences.
If implemented, the directive to review political detainees’ cases would mark another confidence-building measure under the peace process, with observers expected to closely monitor the Ministry of Justice’s handling of the legal review in the coming weeks.