Those freed are MPs Ater Akolde and Kaman Makuenyar Achien, along with Mandela Machiek, the Chairperson of the SPLM-IO Youth League in Lakes State. They were arrested during last year’s political crisis, a period marked by accusations of arbitrary detention of SPLM-IO officials in Juba and heavy bombardments of civilians in Upper Nile State.
The acting Minister of Information and Communication in Lakes State, William Koji Kerjok, confirmed the release on Saturday. He said five officials were initially detained, but only three have now been set free following the governor’s directive.
“This is to confirm to the public and citizens of Lakes State that out of the five detainees, three have been released,” Koji said. “These included two MPs—Kaman Makuenyar Achien and Ater Akolde—along with the SPLM-IO Youth League leader, Mandela Machiek. They are now free.”
However, Deputy Governor Dr. Isaiah Akhol Mathiang and the Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, Samuel Gai Magok, remain in detention.
Koji explained that although the three SPLM-IO members have been pardoned, their suspension from official duties remains in effect until further notice.
“The governor is currently in Juba, and no decision has been made regarding their suspension,” he said. “They are free, but we urge them to avoid negative politics or inciting conflict within Lakes State.”
Family members of the freed detainees welcomed the decision. Apen Majur, the wife of one of the released MPs, said her husband had spent nearly four months in detention in Yirol East County. “I spoke to him by phone yesterday after his release. I am happy that the government of Lakes State finally freed him,” she said.
Civil society groups also praised the move. Daniel Laat Kon Ater, Lakes State coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), described the release as a positive step toward restoring political freedoms in the state.
“We welcome this release, but we also call on the state government to reconsider the cases of the two remaining detainees—the deputy governor and the minister of animal resources,” Laat said.
“If they have committed crimes, they should be taken to court. If not, they must be released. The constitution guarantees political freedom for all citizens.”
Laat further urged that those released should be allowed to resume normal lives, seek medical treatment, and care for their families.
