Authorities in Aweil state have released a number of politicians detained over links with rebel leader Paul Malong, a former rebel official said.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Ajang Ajang Lino, who defected from Malong’s movement and signed a peace agreement with the government, said several politicians detained in Aweil were released last Friday.

Ajang further said seven parliamentarians in Aweil including the state assembly’s speaker were released, adding that the released officials were flown to Juba.

The release of the politicians, according to Ajang, is party of the peace agreement he signed with the government last month.

He noted that the agreement provides for release of all officials detained over links with rebel leader Paul Malong.

He pointed out that the detainees will be under his leadership.

Ajang said they are working to release all detained soldiers in Juba.