By Hou Akot Hou
Calls for the release of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel and several other detainees have emerged as President Salva Kiir travels to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
The president is travelling by road from Akon, his home area in Warrap State, to Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Along the route, large crowds have gathered to welcome him in various locations, including Peth-Lou in Malual Baai Payam, Madhol Payam, Wanyjok Town, and Aweil Town.
Residents have lined the highway awaiting his arrival, while community members have reportedly prepared bulls as a traditional sign of peace and respect.
Meanwhile, another youth voice, Asunta Aluta, called on the president to consider pardoning individuals currently in detention, including prominent figures from the region.
“Our sons of the soil have been detained, including Bol Mel, Garang Majak, Hon. Kom Kom, Ayii Ayii Akol, and others. We appeal to the president to release them as soon as he returns to the capital,” Aluta said.
Speaking to the media, the State Minister of Information and Communication, Gabriel Deng Yel, said thousands of residents are expected to turn out to welcome the head of state and listen to his address.
“We urge our people to turn out in huge numbers, including students, executive chiefs, government officials, and people from all walks of life,” Yel said.
He noted that members of the public wishing to listen to the president’s speech should gather at Freedom Square in Aweil, where key speeches will be delivered following the official reception.
Yel also encouraged residents, particularly those facing mobility challenges, to arrive early in order to participate in welcoming the president.
As anticipation builds ahead of the rally, residents say they hope the president will address some of the pressing challenges facing the state, including hunger, unemployment, and insecurity.
One of the youth representatives, Deng Valentino, said local communities expect the president to hear concerns regarding poverty and the lack of employment opportunities for young people.
“As our local population continues to face serious challenges such as hunger and unemployment, we hope that executive chiefs, paramount chiefs, and other key speakers will bring these issues to his attention,” Valentino said.
He added that residents would like to see increased support for mechanised farming to boost food production and reduce hunger across the state.
The president is expected to deliver a public address later in the day, with many residents hoping his remarks will help ease tensions and promote peace between neighbouring communities.
His visit comes amid growing concerns over communal violence and insecurity affecting parts of Warrap, Unity, Upper Nile, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states.
Some observers believe the tour could provide an opportunity for the president to reassure citizens and encourage peaceful coexistence.
Recently, some Aweil youth in Juba have called for the release of Bol Mel.
Whether the visit will help calm fears of escalating conflict remains to be seen, as communities across several regions continue to grapple with insecurity and intercommunal tensions.