The Full Bench of the Supreme Court of South Sudan, presided over by the Chief Justice, during the constitutional challenge filed by Ambassador Ajing Deng Ajing against the government in Juba on Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Photo Credit: TMR

The Supreme Court of South Sudan has scheduled April 23, 2026, as the date for the government to formally respond to a constitutional challenge questioning the legality of Ambassador Ajing Deng Ajing’s detention.

The decision followed a Constitutional Court session presided over by the Chief Justice and attended by all members of the Supreme Court. During the proceedings, the legal team representing the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs requested 21 days to review the petition, a motion the court granted before adjourning the hearing.

Ambassador Ajing Deng Ajing, a serving diplomat under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was reportedly arrested without the lifting of his diplomatic immunity. His legal team contends that this procedural failure renders his continued detention unlawful under South Sudanese law.

Defense advocates Kiir Chol and George Angier Ring characterized the case as a significant constitutional challenge against the National Security Service (NSS) and the Government of South Sudan.

“We have filed this constitutional case on behalf of Ambassador Ajing Deng Ajing against the National Security and the Government of South Sudan,” stated Advocate George Angier Ring.

“Our petition is based on the fact that they have violated the Bill of Rights. The right to liberty has been violated, as well as the rights regarding the use of our client’s vehicle.”

The defense maintains that the ambassador’s detention contravenes the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011, as amended. The legal team expressed confidence in their case, emphasizing their duty to uphold the fundamental rights enshrined in the nation’s supreme law.

“It is our duty as lawyers to defend the fundamental rights of the people of South Sudan,” Ring added, noting the importance of the full Supreme Court bench appearing for the session.

The court has adjourned until 10:00 AM on April 23, when the government is expected to present its reply to the petition at the Supreme Court premises. The outcome of the next hearing will likely determine whether the diplomat’s detention is upheld or declared unconstitutional, potentially setting a precedent for diplomatic immunity and the Bill of Rights in South Sudan.