Aweil East Youth director released after seven days in custody

AWEIL — A family confirmed that the director of youth and sports in Aweil East County of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has been released after spending a week in a National Security Services detention facility.

Bulis Bol Chan was arrested last week at around 8:00 p.m. in Wanyjok town, allegedly by security personnel acting under the orders of Aweil East County Commissioner Garang Thiang.

The source said Chan was taken from the middle of the market at night, leaving his motorbike behind.

A family member, Deng Gau Mou, confirmed the release of Bulis Bol Chan on Saturday following discussions with the state authorities.

“We have been in contact with national security officials and approached the governor as a family, friends of Bulis, and human rights advocates, including the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Abuk Jiel, who was involved in this matter. As a result, Bulis was released on the orders of Governor Charles Madut Akol,” Deng told Sudans Post on Sunday.

Deng stated Bullis Bol Chan was employed as a journalist with the local media outlet Akol Yam before taking on the position of director of youth and sports for Aweil East County, a position he lost during his detention last week.

“We advise government officials to refrain from negative reactions, as they hold public office and are accountable to community issues. Engaging in dialogue is more important than resorting to arbitrary detention.”

The recent arrests have led to fear and suspicion among the local youth, especially following the detention of youth leader Thiep Akol Deng earlier this year, which stemmed from a misunderstanding with county officials who provided inaccurate information to the commissioner.

This latest arrest has elicited anger among the youth in the county, prompting a variety of reactions regarding the commissioner’s handling of public affairs.