A civil society Activist Ter Manyang has urged South Sudan government to Release Dr. Riek Machar and Political Detainees Ahead of Independence Day.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, declared independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, Its journey to independence is a complex narrative of colonial legacies, prolonged conflicts, and the pursuit of identity.
First Vice President and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar was placed under house arrest in March amid escalating political tensions that followed conflict in Nasir Upper Nile state.
Amidst several call for his release South Sudan government insisted that Dr, Machar was in conflict with the law and is still under investigation.
With just few days to 9th July, the independent day for South Sudan, activist Tery the Executive Director for Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), emphasized on the need to release Dr. Machar and political detainees as part of honouring the day.
He expressed that the country’s 14th Independence Day, scheduled for July 9, 2025 deserve to be honoured through compromises including release of political detainees.
“If we are truly committed to peace, dialogue and national Unity, then releasing Dr. Riek Machar and other political prisoners is not just political act, but a moral and National Unity, let this Independence Day be celebration of renewed hope and no continue division” Manyang said
He expressed that political detentions do not only increase mistrust among the politicians but delay healing and peaceful co-existence.
“We can not build Peace Through detention. We must build peace through inclusion, forgiveness and justice” he said.
Activist Manyang emphasized that the release of political detainees would serve as a powerful gesture of reconciliation and national unity.
He urged President Salva Kiir and the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace and healing as the country approaches this historic day.
The activist expressed that political dialogue and the rule of law should guide the transition process.
He warned that continued suppression of political voices could undermine long-term peace and stability in the country.
The activist’s appeal comes at a critical time as South Sudan continues to face political uncertainty, economic hardship, and humanitarian crises.
Many South Sudanese citizens are hoping this year’s Independence Day will mark a turning point toward lasting peace.
On separate notes the Executive Director for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Edmund Yakani has called on President Salva Kiir to release Dr. Machar.
Speaking to the media, Yakani urged the leaders and the parties to focus on compromise and implement peace as the country approaches independent celebrate in July.
The statement followed series of disagreement such as in removal and appointment officials to the government as well as delay in peace implementation.
Yakani said that due to continuous lack of trust and compromises among the leaders and parties to the peace agreement the country remain in instability and delayed implementation of the peace agreement.
He emphasized the need for all the political elites to embark on political compromises as the country head to independentcelebration.
“We require from our leaders as we are heading towards our Independent on the 9th of July next month, our leaders need to really do a very effective and a very resound political compromises that will give them the chance to work together and transition the country” Yakani said