Community elders and prominent personalities hailed President Salva Kiir for resolving the standoff with the former chief of staff, Paul Malong Awan.

“We, the members of the committee of the concerned citizens for peace that interceded to resolve the crisis involving former chief of general staff, Paul Malong Awan,” partly reads a statement issued by a group calling itself the concerned citizens’ committee for peace.

“We would like to publicly acknowledge, with deep appreciation and gratitude, the wise leadership, statesmanship and magnanimity that president Salva Kiir Mayardit has demonstrated in resolving the crisis peacefully,” adds the statement.

The statement bearing the signature of Francis Mading Deng confirmed that President Kiir has released Paul Malong to go to the country of his choice in response to his request and return at will.

The group also appreciated General Paul Malong for his cooperation in ending the crisis.