Kiir frees political prisoners; Gatdet, Endley, as he makes peace with Machar

As an act of reconciliation, President Salva Kiir said he would release two political prisoners Thursday as part of the peace process.

This he committed peace day celebrations at Dr. John Garang de Mabior Mausoleum in Juba yesterday.

The celebrations which are being held under the theme “Celebrating the dawn of peace, appreciating friends, cherishing reconciliation and Unity,” saw all the Presidents present at the peace ceremony dressed in ceremonial white linen loose clothe, green waist ribbon and blue neck lance by traditional women. The women also set free doves and balloons to symbolise the return of peace to South Sudan.

President Salva Kiir congratulated Dr. Machar and other opposition leaders for agreeing to come and celebrate peace. He said their presence is strong testimony for peace in South Sudan.

‘The war era has ended, peace and prosperity has come,” he said. He apologised on behalf of government for acts of war and hospitality, which he described as a total betrayal against the people of South Sudan.

“The war in South Sudan was not a tribal war as the international media tried to portray it, it was a war for power. We are for peace and from today, I will preside over a peaceful Sudan,” he said.

Kiir ordered for the release of Machar spokesperson James Gatdet Dak and South African retired colonel William Endley who served as a security advisor to Machar.

"Today, I declare the release of two political prisoners James and Endley," he said.

Mr Gatdet, a former spokesman of rebel leader Riek Machar was arrested in 2017, after his deportation from Nairobi, for allegedly engaging in subversive activities against the Juba administration.

Mr Endley, a retired South African army colonel and for adviser of Mr Machar, was accused of providing him with military support.

"I will release him tomorrow [Thursday] and deport him back to South Africa," Mr Kiir said.

However, according to Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, the SPLA IO Deputy Military Spokesperson, the said prisoners are not yet released.

“The president decreed it but yet to be implemented. We will do a story when they are out and with us or their families,” he said.