JUBA: South Sudan yesterday released four top leaders accused of rebellion and treason, dropping charges for attempting to overthrow the government in a move aimed at ending a four-month-old civil war.
President Salva Kiir said their release was the “price of peace”, adding: “Even if we hang them they cannot compensate those who were killed.”
The court order said the men were released “in order to promote peace and reconciliation among our people”, while Kiir urged people to respect those released.
“This is the only way of getting out (of war),” he said in a speech. “Let’s all work together.”
Tthe four men were greeted by cheering supporters who lifted them up on to their shoulders into the crowd.
“We were imprisoned without any reason,” said freed detainee Pagan Amum, the former secretary general of the ruling party.
In a speech thanking his supporters, he vowed to work to end the vicious conflict. “We have to return South Sudan to peace and stability,” Amum said, adding he would work with both the government and rebels “to end this senseless war that is killing our people.”
AFP
