Deng, a member of the SPLM-IO, was recently held by national security services in Rumbek under the governor’s directive but has now been freed from the detention centre.
“I have been released, and all my belongings, including my car, phone, and other items, have been returned to me,” Deng said. He described the detention facility as hygienic and noted that his health remained good during his confinement.
“I was detained until the governor issued directives for my release. I was instructed to remain in Rumbek until further notice, but I am now fully free,” he added.
Deng stated that his suspension has been lifted, though he described his release as partial. “The reasons for my detention could be social, administrative, or political, but I cannot say for certain,” he said. He expects to discuss the matter with the governor, his direct supervisor, to understand the charges that led to his detention and suspension.
“I don’t yet know the exact reasons, but I will share them once the governor explains what went wrong,” he said. During his detention, which lasted from April 23 to June 8, Deng was held alone.
Expressing gratitude for the governor’s decision to release him, Deng urged the public not to link his detention to any personal conflict with the governor.
“My situation should not be used by others to create issues with the governor. The reasons for my detention—whether administrative, social, or political—are still unclear until I speak with him,” he said. He cautioned against political opportunists exploiting his case to undermine the governor. “My issue is manageable, and the governor knows how to handle it,” he emphasised.
Deng reiterated his respect for the governor, both as an elder and a supervisor, and clarified that he holds no grievances. “I will maintain the same respect for him, whether I am in office or not,” he said.
“If the governor explains what went wrong, it will be a learning opportunity for me. As the saying goes, a mistake is another teacher.” He noted that he is unaware of any specific efforts to secure his release but acknowledged that well-wishers or social media reactions from his supporters may have played a role. “I am loved by the people I served, and I am grateful for that,” he said.
Laat Kon Ater, a coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Lakes State, welcomed Deng’s release. “We are pleased that the state government has freed him,” Ater said. “The reasons for his detention—whether politically motivated or otherwise—remain unclear.”
As a civil society organization, CEPO called for Deng’s reinstatement, citing the leadership vacuum in Cueibet County. “There are pressing issues in the county that require the commissioner’s attention to stabilise the situation,” Ater added.
The Acting Minister of Information declined to comment on the commissioner’s release.
