The governor of Eastern Equatoria State Louis Lobong Lojore on Saturday released 17 members of the Monyiemiji Forum arrested by the national security on Thursday.
More than 20 youth were arrested when they stormed the national security offices in Torit demanding the release of their two colleagues but most of them ended up behind bars. This came after protests on Wednesday where they issued an ultimatum for NGOs to evacuate the three counties of Torit, Ikotos, and Lopit within 72 hours claiming that their grievances were not resolved.
Following the arrests, the Monyiemiji Forum publicly announced the revocation of the ultimatum and called for the release of their members, saying they were open to further dialogue.
While releasing the protesters, Governor Lobong gave a stern warning to the youth to abstain from further protests over the issue.
“A job is not being searched in a group, everybody searches for a job with his/her documents. No job will be given to Monyiemiji alone but to every South Sudanese who needs jobs individually," he said. "Because of the appeal from various groups, I in the name of the government, the name of our President Salva Kiir and the people of this state, I have forgiven you with your mistakes and now your names are supplied to all organized forces so that any day if you are found protesting you will not be left again."
He confirmed that those still in custody will be investigated and if found guilty they will face the law. He accused them of unlawful protests and threatening the security of the state.
The leader of Monyiemiji Forum, Johnson Sereno, thanked the governor and reiterated calls for the release of the remaining members to pave way for dialogue.
“But am still requesting as the father of the state and the governor of peace, we are requesting for forgiveness and we are requesting that there is no need for the court. He has to forgive this Monyiemiji with the current mistake which we have accepted, what we need right now is a dialogue with the government," he stressed.
He urged the governor to ensure the jobs assessment continues so that the correct data is known.
Grace Abalang, a national member of parliament representing Ikotos County said the unemployment issue has become a national concern adding that the job assessment is key in finding solutions.
“This assessment must continue and now the assessment is going on nationally so the committee that was formed here is going to do the assessment nationally and we are also urging EES government to do their assessment and declare the results publicly to the Monyiemiji and we are telling Monyiemiji to wait, be patient because what happened the day before yesterday is unacceptable and we condemn it that was a big mistake and should not happen again," she said.
Abalang also urged Governor Lobong to release all the Monyiemiji to pave way for dialogue.
On Friday, the cabinet recommended that President Kiir constitutes a high-level committee led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to address concerns by the Monyiemiji and other youth across the country over claims of unjust employment in the NGO sector.