Yakani urges Kiir to pardon Kuel Aguer, other detainees on reconciliation and health grounds

JUBA – Prominent South Sudanese activist Edmund Yakani is appealing to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to pardon detained former Northern Bahr el Ghazal state governor, Kuel Aguer, as well as others who are also in detention on reconciliation and health grounds.

Kuel Aguer was arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) in July last year, just days after co-founding the People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) to demand change after ten chaotic years of independence that has seen South Sudan in violence.

Speaking to Sudans Post in an interview this morning, Yakani who is the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), appealed to President Kiir to release Kuel and other detainees saying it would be a good gesture for the implementation of chapter five of the revitalized peace agreement.

“I am appealing President Salva Kiir Mayardit to release Kuel Aguer and others on reconciliation and health grounds. It is time to demonstrate willingness for the implementation of chapter 5 of the revitalized peace agreement on reconciliation and healing,” Yakani said.

“President with respect and honor forgive Kuel Aguer and others as a good gesture or good start for the second decade of our independence,” the activist added.

‘OUTSPOKEN CITIZENS’

In a statement on South Sudan’s 11^th independence anniversary, the People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) dedicated the country’s independence anniversary to Aguer and Rev. Abraham Chol who was arrested just a week after Aguer’s arrest, saying the president is afraid of outspoken citizens.

“We also want to dedicate this day to Kuel Aguer Kuel and other freedom fighters, who remain arbitrarily detained by orders of President Kiir because they have acted as free citizens. At this juncture, it is important for the people of South Sudan to understand why the President is so afraid of outspoken citizens,” the PCCA said.

“President Kiir plotted and staged a coup against the people of South Sudan in July 2013 when he toppled a duly elected government, that he led, and replaced it with a dictatorship.

“He then exploited existing historical ethnic animosities, which were created and executed by our enemies to divide and rule us, as a springboard to launch unprovoked war.”