![Northern Bahr el Ghazal State map [File]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Northern_Bahr_el_Ghazal_Map.png?resize=1200%2C871&quality=80&ssl=1)
Lawrence Lual Lual, Akol Mangok Akol, and Ateny Akol Akol were arrested on Tuesday after releasing a song in Dinka titled “Yengo Kueny raan Reec Baai,” which translates loosely to “Why appoint someone who is corrupt and contributes to the county’s underdevelopment?” according to police director Marko Garang Deng Akok.
Akok told Sudans Post yesterday that the musicians admitted to releasing the song but denied intending to defame the local leader, Commissioner Luka Thel Thel of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
He added that charges have been filed against them and they will appear in court.
“These young men say they have released a song but are not intending to defame the government or anyone in the government of the county,” Akok said. “They are not realistic to themselves and as police we are implementing the rules, and they will answer the case in the court.”
The arrests have sparked debate about freedom of speech in South Sudan, with some arguing that the song falls under protected expression despite its critical content.
The transitional constitution guarantees freedom of speech, but critics say authorities often interpret it narrowly, particularly when it comes to criticism of the government.
“This is obvious, but they have to be taken to court and justify themselves,” said one anonymous local activist. “But the government should allow people to express themselves and not being threatened here and there till people die in silence.”
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between freedom of expression and national security concerns in South Sudan.
While the government defends the arrests as necessary to maintain order, rights groups warn that such actions can have a chilling effect on free speech and stifle dissent.
