The family of former South Sudan Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel has asked President Salva Kiir Mayardit to lift his house arrest, arguing that the country needs peace, unity and reconciliation.

Bol Mel was named vice president for the Economic Cluster in February 2025. He later became First Deputy Chairman of the ruling SPLM and was promoted to full general in the National Security Service. Kiir removed him from the vice presidency and all his other posts on November 12, 2025, and he was then confined to his home in Juba. Before his dismissal, he was widely viewed as a possible successor to the president.

A close relative, Deng Gau, told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the family wants Kiir to free Bol Mel. He said the family believes the president favours peace, and that South Sudan currently needs unity and reconciliation.

Gau said the family sees no justification for such a long detention. In his view, if the former vice president is accused of any offence, he should be brought before a court to answer the charges, and if not, he should be released without delay. He added that the government had detained Bol Mel over accusations of making false claims.

According to Gau, Bol Mel is being held at his residence in the Jebel area of Juba, and most of his relatives are barred from seeing him. He said the family has tried repeatedly to visit, but soldiers guarding the house have turned them away. Only a handful of family members have been allowed in.

Government officials could not be reached immediately for comment on the family’s appeal.