South Sudan sets free former Western Equatoria governor

August 21, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese security operatives working for president Salva Kiir’s government on Friday released Colonel Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro, former Western Equatoria state governor without charges after spending four days in detention.

Bakosoro confirmed his release to Sudan Tribune, saying “I have just reached home to make statement to the media” on the circumstances leading to his arrest after dismissal from his position last week.

The circumstances surrounding his release remain unclear. Members of parliament from the three states of Equatoria region on Thursday issued a statement demanding his release or be taken to court if there was a crime he had committed.

State community leadership and faith based group also asked the new governor to delay going to the state and instead push for the release of the former governor.

The former governor has not yet issued a public statement after his freedom from detention.

(ST)