A leading South Sudanese civil society activist is appealing to President Salva Kiir Mayardit for him to release the detained radio journalist George Livio, Fr Justin Wanawilla and the local NGO director Driuni Jakani.

Livio and Wanawilla who are both from Wau have been detained for about a year without trial while Jakani who is from Maridi was arrested only recently.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO said that the release of detainees would be a good gesture for a new start if applied by the president.

Yakani said the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization is urging the Office of President to intervene for unconditional release of the three mentioned individuals as a symbol of a new start after marking Independence Day.

He said that detention without trial is “against the provisions of the existing laws of South Sudan.”

“Any detained South Sudanese should face competent court of law within the period of 24 hours upon his or her detention,” Yakani said. He said the three mentioned detainees have overstayed this period of detention without facing any court of law.

Yakani said the country is at a juncture that requires every South Sudan at whatever capacity to compromise and accommodate for realization of peace and stability in our nation.

“In kindly and honorable manner CEPO is urging his Excellency President to intervene for unconditional release of our colleagues and citizens as a symbol of marking Independence Day with forgiveness,” he added.

Photo: President Kiir with SPLA Chief of Staff Paul Malong, 9 July 2015