AWEIL – The Acting Chairperson of the Aweil East County Youth Association in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has been detained by National Security Service (NSS) operatives since Monday, sparking concerns among his family and local youth leaders.
According to relatives, the youth leader, Thiep Deng Akol, was picked up in Wanyjok Town by men in plain clothes who identified themselves as security agents. They reportedly lured him away from a gathering with friends before taking him to the county headquarters and later to an undisclosed location.
Thiep’s uncle, Akec Deng Akol, told this outlet on Friday that his nephew leads a neutral, non-political youth body that has operated peacefully in the county for years. He questioned the motive behind Thiep’s detention, saying the family has been unable to trace him despite searching several police cells in Wanyjok.
“We searched for Thiep in all detention centers within the county headquarters but found nothing,” Akec said. “We are appealing to the authorities to produce him in court if he has committed any offense.”
A youth resident of Wanyjok, who requested anonymity for security reasons, claimed that Thiep’s arrest may have stemmed from a misunderstanding involving the new county commissioner, Garang Thiang.
“There was a small argument between Thiep and one of his colleagues over the distribution of relief items,” the youth said. “The other man, who works closely with the commissioner, accused Thiep of insulting the commissioner. Soon after, security men in plain clothes came and took him away.”
The source added that the operatives carried a pistol and forced Thiep to accompany them to the commissioner’s office, where he was later handed over to NSS officers—possibly transferred to their office in Aweil town.
When contacted, Paul Kuc Akuc, the county’s Director of Information, confirmed the arrest, describing it as “official.”
“This is not a disappearance. Thiep was arrested after he reportedly insulted the commissioner during a youth discussion,” Kuc explained. “The matter is being handled, and the commissioner has assured that he may be released soon.”
Legal experts and human rights defenders have repeatedly warned against arbitrary detentions in South Sudan, stressing that the law requires suspects to be presented before a court within 24 hours of arrest. Thiep’s family continues to call for his immediate release or formal charges in accordance with due process.
