A legal petition filed by lawyers representing detained former South Sudanese Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel has been rejected by the Minister of Justice, hitting its first major obstacle in efforts to challenge the legality of his prolonged house arrest.

The petition, submitted on March 6, 2026, by Kiirdit & Co. Advocates, sought Bol Mel’s release or presentation before a court, arguing that his detention since November 12, 2025—following his dismissal as vice president, stripping of military rank, and expulsion from service—was unlawful.

It highlighted his incommunicado status, lack of formal charges, denied access to family, legal counsel, and medical care, and the unauthorized seizure of assets including homes and vehicles.

The lawyers warned of deteriorating health and potential life-threatening risks without intervention.

Copies were sent to the Ministry of Justice, the South Sudan Human Rights Commission, and Bol Mel’s family, with the document also posted publicly on social media shortly after submission.

In a letter dated March 11, 2026, Justice Minister Michael Makuei Lueth rejected the filing outright.

He described the petition as written in “disrespectful, impolite and uncouth language that is unbecoming and not acceptable in all standards,” particularly passages that appeared to instruct the ministry directly.

Makuei further criticized the immediate public release on social media, stating it undermined official procedures and meant “it is no longer in the hands of the Ministry.”

The minister demanded a written apology from the lawyers for the tone and a full explanation of how the document reached the media and who was responsible.

Until these conditions are met, the petition will not proceed.

Bol Mel, a businessman-turned-politician and former SPLM member, was removed amid an internal power struggle within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

His detention has drawn attention to broader concerns over political detentions, due process, and rule of law in South Sudan’s transitional government.

No immediate response from the lawyers or Bol Mel’s representatives was reported.

The rejection comes amid ongoing political tensions, including dismissals of opposition-linked officials and stalled implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.