The Leadership Council of the Former SSLM/A Thanks President Kiir for Pardoning Maj. Gen. Gabriel Tang
For Immediate Release
October, 8, 2013
The leadership Council of former SSLM/A thanked President Salva Kiir Mayardit for pardoning Maj. Gen. Gabriel Tang, Maj. Gen. Gatwec Dual, Maj. Gen. Thomas Mabor Dhol, Brig. Gen. Gatwec Joak and Hon. Peter A. Sule. The decree issued by the President to pardon the aforementioned individuals demonstrated to the whole world that Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit is personally committed to unite the people of South Sudan.
There is no doubt that Presiddent Kiir’s leadership style, and his quest to keep South Sudan united, saved the referendum during the transitional period and led to the independence of South Sudan on July, 9, 2011. When President Kiir signed Juba Declaration with late Maj. Gen. Paulino Matip in 2006, there were officers within the SPLA army who opposed the unity of the people of South Sudan. However, President Kiir imposed unity in the country and South Sudan Defense Forces of Paulino Matip were all integrated into the organized forces of South Sudan.
In April, 2013, President Kiir issued another decree pardoning all rebels fighting the government of South Sudan to pave the way for the unity of the country. The SSLM/A, under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Bapiny Monytuil Wecjang, responded to the Presidential amnesty and accepted peace in the South. On September, 28, 2013, the group of Lt. Gen. Ayuok Ogat and Lt. Gen. Gordon Koang Chol responded to the Presidential amnesty and accepted peace with the government of South Sudan.
The pardoning of Maj. Gen. Gabriel Tang and others ushered in New South Sudan Order of peace and tranquility in the country. This order of peace will soon be extended to Jonglei State where negotiations are underway between the government and the forces of Maj. Gen. David Yau Yau. There is no question that the peace which has now prevailed in Unity and Upper Nile states shall be extended to Jonglei state so that civilians will enjoy peace and development. The only way for the government of South Sudan to deliver services to the people is to secure a sustainable peace in the rural areas of South Sudan so that construction of roads shall not be interrupted by any form of violence.
We therefore appeal to the international community to support the government of South Sudan financially, morally and diplomatically to integrate all former rebels into the organized forces of South Sudan. Nation-building through cultivation of peace requires a lot of investment in humans as well as infrastructure. The international community must assist South Sudan to realize peace through investment.
For Contact: Gordon Buay
Spokesman of the Leadership Council of the former rebels that signed peace with the Government of South Sudan
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