Juba authorities are facing criticism after social media personality Akuac Wol was shot during an attempted arrest, family sources confirmed.
The incident occurred as national security officers sought to detain her amid a broader crackdown on political livestreamers. Previous arrests have included popular comedian Amath Jok, singer Akot Matuongdit, and TikTok creator Gokwel Gokwel.
According to a family source, Akuac had just left the airport following the departure of former SSFF president Augustino Maduot, who was being airlifted to Nairobi for medical treatment.
As her vehicle approached the Amarat area, her driver noticed a pickup following them, believed to carry national security personnel. During the confrontation, Akuac was shot in the thigh but is reported to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, 33-year-old Amath Jok was rearrested on Saturday at her residence in New Site after being detained for four days last week following a live TikTok broadcast in which she defended former Vice-President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel.
Her statements, including a widely circulated remark referring to President Kiir as “a big thief wearing a hat,” had led to her earlier detention and a ban from social media.
Singer Akot Matuongdit was also detained by men in NSS uniform, with family members confirming the arrest. Akuac Wol, who identifies as the singer’s brother, described the arrest as part of a pattern targeting Aweil residents and called for government pardons.
Bol Deng Bol, chair of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, condemned the arrests as violations of constitutional rights and freedom of expression. He argued that the statements made by the comedians and social media figures did not constitute defamation and called for legal protections for South Sudan’s young entertainment industry.
Observers say the crackdown highlights growing tensions between government authorities and media personalities who engage in political commentary, warning that suppressing public expression risks breeding resentment and potential violence. No official statement has been released by national security agencies regarding the arrests.
