Entrance of Kober Prison. (Photo: Achol Malong).

A South Sudanese human rights activist said on Sunday that nearly 60 South Sudanese death row inmates are awaiting immediate execution in Sudan.

Achol Malong, who is based in Khartoum said the inmates sentenced for murder crimes over the years – can only be saved if the family of their victim welcomes blood compensation.

According to her, most of the death row inmates have been transferred from Madani, Ad-Damazin, and El-Daein among other towns to the capital Khartoum for execution.

“We have fifty-eight prisoners from South Sudan who are on death row in Sudan prisons. Their procedures are in the courts, and we have not been able to find solutions,” said Achol.

According to the Sudanese court system, execution can be suspended if blood guardians agree to pay blood money.

Achol further said are negotiating with some South Sudanese family members of the deceased and encouraging them to choose blood compensation and halt the death sentences.

“Currently, we are seeking to stop the execution of death sentences and to meet blood relatives to resolve outstanding issues.”

Speaking to Eye Radio on Sunday afternoon, after visiting the convicts in Kober Prison, the South Sudanese Human Rights Activist says they are facing challenges due to the absence of family members.

“The difficulty of the situation is due to the absence of blood guardians, some of whom are present in the South and others are unknown.”

While international law does not prohibit the death penalty, most countries have abolished the punishment – considering it a violation of human rights.

However, neither Sudan nor South Sudan has abolished the death sentence.