(Juba) – Concerns are rising over the deteriorating health of South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Eng. Puot Kang Chuol, who remains in detention at the National Security Service (NSS) facility commonly known as the Blue House.
According to sources within the Internal Security Bureau and the General Intelligence Bureau, the minister is showing signs of acute illness while being held in a section of the detention centre.
Security personnel familiar with the matter say that the minister’s health has declined significantly, with fears that he could die in custody if he is not given urgent medical attention.
The sources revealed that doctors attached to the NSS have made repeated efforts to speak with Kang about his condition, asking whether he suffers from any chronic illnesses that might require specialised treatment. However, the minister has reportedly refused to open up about his health, creating concern among staff and senior officials.
According to insiders, the minister’s refusal to cooperate may stem from deep mistrust in the prison system and fear for his life. Some believe that he is unwilling to disclose his condition because he fears retaliation or misuse of that information by those he no longer trusts.
A few former prison staff members speculate that Kang may be silently protesting and choosing to die in detention as a symbolic act, which could attract international attention and criticism of the government’s treatment of political detainees.
It is believed that Kang sees little hope in a system he regards as oppressive. In conversations with some prison guards who interacted with him, the minister reportedly said that South Sudan still needs “more blood and sacrifices” to overcome injustice and tribalism. He is said to view his potential death as a contribution to the broader struggle for justice and change in the country.
Witnesses say that his remarks moved fellow inmates to tears. He is reported to have said, “I will be proud if I die here. My death will bring the attention and pressure we need to change the behaviours of those who abuse power and reject the rule of law.”
According to those who heard him, the minister believes that true change in South Sudan will only come through sacrifice and accountability, rather than submission to systems he views as unjust.
Hon. Puot Kang Chuol, a prominent figure from the Nuer community, is the only sitting national minister currently under arrest, reportedly held despite his official immunity. Many observers see his continued detention as highly unusual and politically sensitive.
At the time of writing, there has been no public statement from government spokespersons or the Office of the President regarding the minister’s condition.
However, civil society activists and members of the public have started calling for his release to seek medical treatment, citing both humanitarian and legal grounds.
Given the seriousness of the situation, citizens are now urging the government, particularly President Salva Kiir Mayardit—who is widely seen as a leader with a history of pardons and reconciliatory gestures to intervene and allow the jailed Minister access to medical care.
