Kajo-Keji County Commissioner David Lisi Christopher on Monday released 17 inmates detained for having been involved in rebellion and petty crimes.
The initiative to release the prisoners was spearheaded by the County Security Committee as part of efforts to promote peace within the community. Many of the inmates were accused of rebellion and other minor offenses such as theft, smoking marijuana, and infidelity among others.
The release took place in the presence of organized forces, marking a step towards unity as the year draws to a close.
“Since we are entering a new year, we want peace, and for us to have peace, we have to free some of the prisoners,” Commissioner Lisi said.
He urged the former prisoners to repent, join their families, and reintegrate peacefully within the community.
“Today, we have released you, and you have been forgiven,” he stated and counseled: “Go home, pray for forgiveness, and change your behaviors. We need peace in our community.”
For his part, Brigadier Malong Agat, the SSPDF Commander in Kajo-Keji, urged the released prisoners to reform.
“You are being released today and I urge you to go back home and change your behaviors because we have forgiven all of you,” he said.
Kajo-Keji County, located in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, has borne the brunt of the country’s prolonged civil war. The conflict, which erupted in 2013 and again in 2016 forced thousands of residents to flee to neighboring Uganda for safety.
For the last few years, many villages in Kajo-Keji have remained deserted, with only pastors and a few individuals staying behind to maintain the community’s spiritual and social fabric.
“When I came to Kajo-Keji two years ago, the villages were empty and there were only pastors staying here,” Brig. Agat recalled.
Commissioner Lisi hopes the release of the prisoners will encourage more residents to return and rebuild their lives in peace and explained that the initiative to free prisoners sends a message of forgiveness and new beginnings as Christmas approaches.
“Being a rebel will not benefit you in any way, so, go back home and live peacefully,” he advised.