By Bida Elly David
The President of the Republic of South Sudan in a Presidential Decree yesterday pardoned sixteen convicts with minor cases calling them to be released on immediate basis.
This development came during his Christmas message to the citizens across the country meant to generate peace and forgiveness among the people of the country.
In the Presidential Decree issued, President Kiir declared the release of sixteen captives from Juba Central Prison, Yambio Prison, Kuajok Prison, and Rumbek Prison will be acquitted soon.
President said that he pardoned the prisoners in the spirit of peace and forgiveness so that the country moves to an affirmative stage of prosperity.
“In this spirit of forgiveness, peace and reconciliation, I am pardoning sixteen prisoners who are currently serving their sentences in Juba, Yambio, Kuajok and Rumbek,” the President said on the National Television – SSBC.
Kiir further urged South Sudan to embrace peace and reconciliation in the New Year as the country prepares to welcome Pope Francis next month.
Last year, President Kiir also pardoned 15 prisoners across the country following the national independence celebration marking a step to move the country to a better stage.
Last week, Edmund Yakani the Executive Director for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, called on the President to pardon captives with minor criminal cases as a mechanism of forgiveness and indeed the President responded positively to the call.