A prominent civil society activist in Jonglei State has accused the local government of intimidation, alleging that an official had issued a statement threatening him.
The accusations were however swiftly denied by the governor’s office, which called the claims “entirely false.” The incident has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the protection of civic space in the state.
On August 31, 2025, a press statement from the Jonglei Civil Society Network claimed that an official from the governor’s media team issued a warning to Bol Deng Bol, the network’s chairperson and Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan.
The statement seen by the Nile Witness, which did not specify the reasons for the alleged warning, was reportedly removed shortly after it was published, following public backlash.
“This press statement, therefore, serves to express our concern for [the] safety of the activist in question and the deteriorating status of the freedom of expression in Jonglei state, following this stern intimidation,” the network stated.
It appealed to Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok to guarantee civic space by protecting media independence and freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
The Government’s Response
In rebuttal statement, issued Monday, the Office of the Governor of Jonglei State “categorically” denied issuing any warnings or threats to activist Bol Deng Bol or the Civil Society Network.
The statement, issued by the governor’s press unit, said it had noted the activist’s claims, which it labeled as “entirely false.”
The office affirmed its commitment to fostering an environment of political dialogue and free expression.
“We believe that every individual and organization should have the opportunity to voice their opinions without fear of retribution,” the statement read. It encouraged the public to rely only on official communications from the governor’s office for accurate information.
The differing accounts have created a tense situation, leaving the public to question the state of civil-government relations in Jonglei.
Civil society organizations often play a crucial role in holding the government accountable, and any perceived threats to their leaders can signal a shrinking of the democratic space.
The exchange highlights the ongoing challenges faced by activists in South Sudan as they navigate a complex political landscape.
