S. Sudanese President pardons two political detainees
March 10, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Friday pardoned two political figures who had been detained since last year.
“I did not come to speak politics. I have come to pardon General Elias Waya Nyipuoch and General Andrea Dominic,” said Kiir.
“If there are any other political detainees, I will release them all tomorrow and the day after tomorrow,” he said, adding that his government does not jail rival opposition leaders.
Elias Waya, who was serving as governor of newly created Wau State, was arrested in June 2016. His then deputy, General Andrea Dominic, was detained earlier. The arrest of senior politicians from minority Lou and Fertit tribes in north-western South Sudan, sparked deadly clashes in Wau town, leading to displacement of thousands of people.
March 10 is a National Day of Prayer that President Kiir declared last week. This is the first time in the history of the six-years-old nation, the world youngest, to hold a national prayer. Previously attempts by religious leaders to persuade President Kiir and rival opposition politicians were not heeded.
Gen Waya and his deputy Dominic were arrested and detained in Juba at the military barrack in Bilpham and were relieved of their positions last year after clashes in Wau.
The Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Edmund Yakani said that the spirit President Kiir demonstrated during his speech was a clear message that violence is not the solution in resolving an on-going political crisis.
The President’s positive response to the call to release political detainees shows the non-violent approach in settling a violent conflict and has left many impressed, he added.
CEPO is urging all armed forces to join the call for a non-violent motion, said Yakani, adding that such decisions are needed to win the publics’ trust and confidence which will create a stable environment.
CEPO leader further called on the South Sudanese president to pardon a
journalist from Radio Miraya, George Livio, among others.
(ST)