JUBA—The Juba-based Aweil East County Youth Association has condemned remarks attributed to Awan Pajok Community chairman Gen. Mawein Mathiang Gor, who reportedly said former Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel should remain in detention for life over alleged attempts to overthrow President Salva Kiir.
The remarks were made during a thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Twic Mayardit Community in Juba to celebrate the release of Achan Agoth Akiec, Kom Kom Geng and Ayii Ayii Akol from detention.
Mawein, popularly known as “Mawein Jesh,” reportedly accused Bol Mel and others of plotting to topple Kiir and warned the three released individuals against advocating for the former vice president’s release.
“Do you know how many people are being detained now, and they are from Awan community? You keep on saying that Dr. Bol Mel has to be released. I warn people against such appeals; he was working against the President in toppling him with others, so he deserves to remain inside for life. So those of you Kom Kom Geng and Achan Agoth and Ayii Ayii Akol, it was through our efforts that you were released, so never think of meddling in affairs of advocating for Bol’s release,” Mawein was quoted as saying.
He also claimed that efforts by his community had contributed to the release of the three individuals and warned them against intervening in calls for Bol Mel’s freedom.
The remarks circulated on social media drew criticism and calls for an explanation from Awan Pajok community leaders.
In a rebuttal letter, the Aweil East County Youth Association said Mawein’s comments raised concerns about solidarity, fairness and respect for human dignity, particularly given Bol Mel’s prolonged detention under house arrest.
“We write to express our serious concern and condemnation of the statements attributed to you during the Thanksgiving ceremony. First, we condemn the reported call for people to stay away from Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, the former vice president, who has been under house arrest for an extended period. Such statements raise serious questions about the principles of solidarity, fairness, and respect for human dignity,” the letter reads in part.
The association urged Mawein and the Awan Pajok Community leadership to respect the rule of law, stating that allegations against detainees should be addressed through the courts rather than through public calls for their isolation.
“Every individual deserves fair treatment under the law. If there are legitimate concerns or legal issues surrounding his situation, they should be addressed through appropriate institutions rather than public calls for isolation of someone who is already under house arrest,” the letter states.
The youth association also demanded that Mawein explain the basis for his call for the public to stop advocating for Bol Mel’s release.
“We therefore call upon you to clarify the basis for your statement and explain why members of the public should be encouraged to distance themselves from a fellow South Sudanese citizen who is not publicly charged though under detention for long,” the letter reads.
The controversy has also prompted criticism from members of the Twic community in Warrap State, who said some of their own, including Dominic Juuk and Ajiing Deng, remain in detention in connection with allegations involving Bol Mel.
Twic community members warned that Awan Pajok leaders could face blame if anything happened to their detained relatives.