President Salva Kiir Mayardit during the end of Year dinner at state house on Wednesday/photo by PPU
By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has pardoned 97 inmates from prisons across South Sudan and ordered their release.
According to the statement from the Presidential press unit, the head of state made the order on Wednesday during the end-of-year dinner at the State House.
Ther president’s move reflect a call for reconciliation and national healing as the country prepares to enter election year (2026).
”In a sign of reconciliation, the Head of State ordered the release of 97 inmates throughout the prisons in the country,” the statement from the presidential press unit partly read.
According to the Presidential Press Unit, Kiir urged South Sudanese to reject violence in all its forms and instead embrace peace, dialogue, and unity.
He appealed to the South Sudanese to remain united and work for peace as the country enters the season of election to vote for their leaders.
According to a statement, Kiir reaffirmed his administration’s determination to ensure that the elections take place as planned, noting that a peaceful and credible electoral process is essential for consolidating democracy.
He emphasized the need for adequate financial and logistical support to the National Elections Commission, citing that the availability of resources will be critical to the successful conduct of the polls.
He also highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding peace, calling on political leaders, civil society, and community leaders to play an active role in discouraging violence and promoting tolerance.
The end-of-year dinner brought together senior government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, members of the business community, religious leaders, and the diplomatic corps.