24 inmates released from Wau prison in Ramadan gesture

2026-03-22 - 09:24

At least 24 inmates have been released from Wau Central Prison following a directive from Western Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Sharif Daniel Sharif as part of the 2026 Ramadan celebrations. The group includes 15 women and 9 juveniles selected after a legal review targeting prisoners with fines below four million South Sudanese Pounds. The decision followed consultations with legal authorities and prison officials. Minister of Cabinet Affairs Rodolf Andrea confirmed the development, adding that the governor also provided humanitarian support to the facility, including food items and cattle. During a visit to the prison, Governor Sharif observed severe overcrowding, with more than 950 inmates currently held at the facility, far beyond its intended capacity. He toured both the general and women’s sections, where the releases took place after settlement of the required fines. “We visited Wau Central Prison with the governor and witnessed the overcrowding,” said Rodolf Andrea. “The governor presented the prisoners with cattle and later visited the women’s section, where fifteen women and nine minors were released after a legal review and payment of the required sums.” Authorities say the move forms part of efforts to ease congestion in correctional facilities while promoting compassion during the holy month of Ramadan. One of the beneficiaries, Mary Angowec, expressed gratitude after spending three months in detention. “I was imprisoned simply for mediating a dispute between my father’s wives,” she said. “I spent three months in prison without any visits, and my son missed a scheduled surgery. I thank the governor for giving me another chance.”