The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) has welcomed President Salva Kiir’s order to release all prisoners of war and detainees, saying it is a positive step for confidence-building.

On Thursday, President Kiir ordered the immediate release of prisoners of war and detainees in line with the peace deal which was signed with opposition groups on 12 September.

The new peace accord will see the creation of a new transitional government after eight months, with opposition leader Riek Machar reinstated as first vice president, one of five vice presidents.

Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, deputy spokesperson for Machar’s SPLM-IO, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that they applaud the order issued by President Kiir on Thursday night.

He said creating a conducive environment for confidence-building among the parties is critical to smooth implementation of the revitalized peace agreement. “As SPLM-IO, we are happy because the prisoners of war and detainees will be freed,” Manawa said.

“The release of detainees and prisoners of war will definitely create a conducive environment for confidence-building which is critical to the implementation of the peace agreement,” he added.

Manawa also said they welcome President Kiir’s directives to his forces to respect the signed peace agreement.

However, the opposition official urged President Kiir to lift the state of emergency in the country.