Freed inmates in Aweil. December 27, 2024. (Photo: NBGs Governor's office).

Northern Bahr el Ghazal State government has released 79 inmates from Aweil Central Prison on Friday after their debts of 4.4 million South Sudan pounds were cleared by the office of the governor.

Among the released were juveniles, two pregnant women, one elderly woman, and one teenage girl with special needs.

Governor Simon Ober Mawut directed the move in his Christmas message, to decongest overcrowded cells, prevent the spread of contagious diseases, and allow the inmates to reunite with their families during the festive season.

Governor Mawut witnessed the mass release and encouraged the former inmates to reintegrate responsibly into their communities.

He also urged the released inmate to engage in productive activities and avoid future conflicts with the law.

Meanwhile, the Director of Aweil Central Prison Maj. Gen. Dhieu Luach said the decongestion is the biggest challenge facing the facility.

He revealed that the prison was designed to accommodate only 150 inmates but currently holds 771, leading to overcrowding, food shortages, and health risks.

In August 2024, authorities in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, released 30 inmates from Waynoka Central Prison after a ceremony held at the facility.

The inmates had been detained for various offenses and were unable to pay fines or fulfill obligations ordered by the Aweil East County Court (AECC).

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated to remove an incorrect information. A background information included in the story cited the payment of the inmates’ debts by a certain NGO, but it turned out that such a payment was made in August 2024. The payment for the release of 79 inmates on December 2024 was in fact made by the office of Governor Hon. Simon Ober Mawut.