Maj. Gen. Manasseh Machar Bol, a former director of security and coordination at the Ministry of Petroleum, was reportedly detained early Monday morning from his home in the Jebel suburb of Juba.
Family members said the arrest was carried out by security personnel from the National Security Service (NSS), though authorities have not issued an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the detention.
According to a close relative who spoke on condition of anonymity, several security vehicles surrounded the general’s residence before dawn, startling both family members and neighbors.
According to a close relative who spoke on condition of anonymity, several security vehicles surrounded the general’s residence before dawn, startling both family members and neighbors.
“The family and the neighbors were shocked,” the relative said. “He was taken into custody without any explanation.”
Bol’s arrest comes about a month after he was removed from his position at the Ministry of Petroleum, where he played a key role in overseeing security coordination in the oil sector.
Attempts by journalists to obtain comment from officials at the National Security Service and the Ministry of Information were unsuccessful as of Tuesday.
Family members believe the arrest may be part of a broader pattern targeting individuals from Twic County in Warrap State.
Family members believe the arrest may be part of a broader pattern targeting individuals from Twic County in Warrap State.
They allege that members of the Twic community have faced surveillance, intimidation and arrests since late last year.
The family specifically mentioned William Deng Dut Koor as another individual from the area who is reportedly being held by security authorities.
Relatives have urged the government to clarify the reasons for the detention and either release Bol or formally charge him in a court of law.
Relatives have urged the government to clarify the reasons for the detention and either release Bol or formally charge him in a court of law.
They also appealed to the authorities to address longstanding tensions and border disputes involving Twic County, which they say may be contributing to the situation.
Maj. Gen. Bol has long been considered an influential figure within South Sudan’s security and energy sectors.
Maj. Gen. Bol has long been considered an influential figure within South Sudan’s security and energy sectors.
During his time at the petroleum ministry, he coordinated security arrangements for several of the country’s major oil-producing companies and consortiums, including Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC), Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) and Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC).
His name has also circulated in political and security circles in Juba as a possible successor to lead the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service, one of the most powerful intelligence units in the country.
His name has also circulated in political and security circles in Juba as a possible successor to lead the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service, one of the most powerful intelligence units in the country.
The position has for years been held by Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, who is currently under house arrest in the capital.
Beyond his government and military roles, Bol has also been linked to private business ventures, including companies operating in the energy and insurance sectors. Among them are Transco Energy Ltd. and Speed Insurance.
In the past, Bol’s business activities have attracted international scrutiny. The Sentry, a Washington-based investigative organization, previously alleged that companies associated with him had received millions of dollars through petroleum supply contracts and letters of credit.
However, Bol’s legal representatives and South Sudanese authorities have strongly rejected those claims, describing them as inaccurate and based on misidentified information.
Beyond his government and military roles, Bol has also been linked to private business ventures, including companies operating in the energy and insurance sectors. Among them are Transco Energy Ltd. and Speed Insurance.
In the past, Bol’s business activities have attracted international scrutiny. The Sentry, a Washington-based investigative organization, previously alleged that companies associated with him had received millions of dollars through petroleum supply contracts and letters of credit.
However, Bol’s legal representatives and South Sudanese authorities have strongly rejected those claims, describing them as inaccurate and based on misidentified information.
They also emphasized that Bol was not a primary focus of the organization’s 2016 report examining alleged corruption among senior South Sudanese officials.
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