S. Sudan opposition leader sets return date after presidential pardon

October 25, 2013 (JUBA)- The leader of South Sudanese opposition party Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC), Lam Akol, will return to the country early next month, according to its acting secretary-general.

Deng Bior told journalists that Akol was free to return home after accepting a presidential pardon and is scheduled to arrive from Cairo on 2 November.

Akol had been in self-imposed exile in Sudanese capital Khartoum, before later moving the Egyptian capital, after he was accused of colluding with the Sudanese government and armed militia groups to destabilise the young nation.

Claims Khartoum and his party, including himself have always been quick to deny.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the acting secretary-general said Akol stood ready to cooperate with the central government on finding solutions to ongoing problems facing the country.

“He (Akol) is well aware of the current problems which are facing the people and I think he will be involved in such process”, Bior said.

He would not comment on rumours his party is seeking to strike a deal with the ruling SPLM as part of a strategy to “elbow out” dissident groups within government ranks.

(ST)