Youth leaders representing Bahr al Ghazal region have urged President Salva Kiir to release the former army chief Paul Malong from house arrest in Juba , citing deteriorating health and the need to preserve unity of the region.
“We are humbly appealing to the president of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit to free his humble servant; Gen. Malong so that he can access medical services as well as staying with his family as a free man,” the group said in a statement dated 29th September.
“This is because any negative impacts on his life under detention may jeopardize our unity as people. Your Excellency, there is a friend that one call a “right-hand-man,” a friend that can accept to die with you. In fact, Gen. Malong was your most loyal and right-handed man in both good and tough times. Never forget your past relationship and accomplishments you both achieved during the liberation struggle,” adds the statement.
The youth leaders also blamed the leaders who played a role in the mediation leading to return of Gen. Paul Malong Awan from Yirol in May, saying the same people should also talk to the president to allow Malong to move freely instead of house arrest.