At least four men suspected of belonging to, and coordinating attacks by the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels, have been set free without charges after spending several months in SSPDF custody in Lainya County of Central Equatoria State, a local official said.
Four months ago, the four suspects were arrested by the SSPDF in villages in the outskirts of Lainya County after they were linked to the NAS forces who are non-signatories to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
Emmanuel Khamis Richard, the Lainya County commissioner, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday that the four NAS suspects were released as a gesture to promote trust and peaceful co-existence in the county.
“As part of the resolutions of the dialogue, the security organizations carried out investigations on the four suspects and they were set free and I appreciate the security organs in the area for promoting good-civil military relations,” Commissioner Khamis said. “I can also say civilians are moving freely on the roads and we are implementing all the resolutions raised during the dialogue and as such the roads are open and humanitarian partners are moving freely without difficulties.”
The commissioner said the four suspects have been reunited with their families through the community chief in Kenyi Payam of Lainya County. He added that the local government is committed to peaceful dialogue with the holdout groups and the protection of civilians.
“They (suspects) have been handed over to the chief in Kenyi Payam who facilitated their return to their respective homes and this move is also aimed at creating confidence among the organized forces and the civilians and shows that the local government is committed to peace and respecting the ceasefire and protection of civilians who are caught during the conflict,” Khamis said.
A family member of one of the released suspects who identified himself only as Bida for security reasons confirmed that his relative had indeed been released and had arrived home.
“Yes, he reached home and I want to thank the county authorities in Lainya for setting our family member free after being detained for over four months. What we want in Lainya County is peace because we are tired of war,” Bida said.
Last month, community leaders, the county authorities, and the SSPDF held a civil-military relations dialogue in a bid to restore trust, confidence, free movement, and protection of civilians in Lianya County. The event was facilitated by the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division.
Lainya County has in the recent past experienced insecurity, road attacks, and fighting between the NAS and SSPDF.