South Sudan: Benjamin Bol Mel House Arrest, Family Demands Release

• Former South Sudan Vice-President Benjamin Bol Mel is under house arrest in Juba following his dismissal from multiple roles in November 2025.
• His family has appealed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit for his release, emphasizing the country's need for peace, unity, and reconciliation.
• Bol Mel was dismissed on November 12, 2025, from positions including Vice-President for the Economic Cluster and First Deputy Chairman of the SPLM.
• A relative, Deng Gau, stated that Bol Mel is accused by the government of making false accusations but has not been presented in court.
• Access to Bol Mel at his Jebel residence is restricted by government soldiers, with most family members denied visits.

If the authorities genuinely believe Bol Mel engaged in wrongdoing, he should either be brought before a court immediately to face the charges or be released without further delay.

The family of Benjamin Bol Mel, who previously served as South Sudan's Vice-President for the Economic Cluster, has publicly called upon President Salva Kiir Mayardit to secure his release from house arrest. This appeal comes amidst a broader plea for peace, unity, and reconciliation within the nation. Bol Mel's detention follows his dismissal from several prominent roles in late 2025, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape.

Prior to his current situation, Bol Mel held a series of influential positions. He was initially appointed Vice-President for the Economic Cluster in February 2025. His ascent continued with his subsequent appointment as the First Deputy Chairman of the ruling SPLM party, alongside a promotion to the rank of full general within the National Security Service. However, President Kiir removed him from all these capacities on November 12, 2025. Following this dismissal, Bol Mel was placed under house arrest at his residence in Juba. Before these events, he was widely considered a potential successor to President Kiir.

Benjamin Bol Mel is currently confined to his home located in the Jebel residential area of Juba. His family has voiced considerable concern regarding the conditions of his detention, particularly the severe restrictions on visitation. A close relative, Deng Gau, speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, revealed that government soldiers are actively preventing most family members from seeing him, despite repeated attempts. Only a select few individuals from his family have been granted access.

Gau articulated the family's strong belief that there is no legitimate justification for Bol Mel's prolonged confinement. He emphasized that if the former Vice-President had indeed committed any offense, the proper course of action would be to present the accusations in a court of law, allowing him the opportunity to defend himself. This sentiment underscores a fundamental concern about due process and the rule of law in South Sudan, particularly in cases of Benjamin Bol Mel's detention in Juba.

The government has reportedly detained Bol Mel under accusations of making false statements, yet his family insists that these allegations have not been formally tested through legal channels. Deng Gau explicitly stated that if the authorities genuinely believe Bol Mel engaged in wrongdoing, he should either be brought before a court immediately to face the charges or be released without further delay. This demand highlights a critical challenge to the principles of justice and fair trial within the South Sudanese legal system, particularly for high-profile political figures and in the context of South Sudan political arrests.

The situation surrounding Benjamin Bol Mel's house arrest in South Sudan raises significant questions about the adherence to established legal procedures. The family's public appeal suggests a perceived lack of transparency and legal recourse available to individuals, even those who have held senior government positions. Such instances can contribute to an environment where political risks are heightened, potentially impacting both human rights considerations and the stability required for business operations in the region, pointing to issues of arbitrary detention in South Sudan.

Beyond the immediate demand for Benjamin Bol Mel's freedom, his family's appeal to President Salva Kiir Mayardit carries a broader message concerning the nation's future. Deng Gau specifically urged the President to release Bol Mel, expressing the family's conviction that President Kiir values peace. Gau underscored that at this critical juncture, South Sudan is in dire need of unity, peace, and reconciliation among its populace.

The family's public statement, made through Radio Tamazuj, serves not only as a plea for an individual's liberty but also as a call for national cohesion. This appeal for a peaceful resolution and adherence to legal norms comes at a time when government officials have not yet provided any comment on the family's request, leaving the situation unresolved and highlighting the ongoing challenges to political stability and the rule of law in the country, particularly following the Salva Kiir Bol Mel dismissal.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges to the rule of law and due process in South Sudan, particularly concerning high-profile political figures. Lawyers advising clients with interests or operations in South Sudan should be aware of the political risks and the potential for arbitrary detention, which could impact business operations or human rights considerations.

Source: Original reporting via Radio Tamazuj