Twenty inmates serving prison sentences across South Sudan entered the new year as free individuals. President Salva Kiir Mayardit made the announcement on Friday, instructing authorities to release these individuals from prisons in Juba, Malakal, Rumbek, Yambio, Aweil, and Torit.

In a Republican Order read on the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Service (SSBC), President Kiir cited Article 101 (q) of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011 in conjunction with section 285 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

In Juba National Prison, Kiir pardoned Joseph Maniel Maker and Emmanuel John Mogga. In the Juba Juvenile Reformatory Center, he granted pardons to Luka Albino Sebit, Yohana Alison, Daniel Deng Ayuol, Yussuf Samson Malis, Joshua Salva Giro, and Harun Spano.

In Malakal Central Prison, President Kiir pardoned Abdallah Dhieu Monyluak, James Ohisa Malang, Hakim Bol Banak, and Yai Chol Nyok. The pardoned inmates in Rumbek Central Prison include Garang Lual Deng, Aken Lual Lual, and Lek Deng William.

Wesley Kariwa Sindey received a pardon from Yambio Central Prison, while Apath Wol Apath and Awach Nun Chol were pardoned from Aweil Central Prison and Aweil Juvenile Center, respectively. Lastly, in Torit State Prison, Kiir granted pardon to Khamis Edward and Simon Ongejuk Philip.

President Salva Kiir is no stranger to utilizing the powers vested in the president of the Republic of South Sudan under the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011, allowing him to grant pardons and commute sentences for prisoners.

In July 2021, during celebrations marking South Sudan’s 10th independence anniversary, President Salva Kiir announced a full pardon for fifteen prisoners serving sentences in various prisons across the country.

In January 2023, President Salva Kiir, through a decree broadcasted on the national broadcaster South Sudan Broadcasting Service (SSBC), announced his decision to pardon sixteen prisoners in Juba, Yambio, Kuajok, and Rumbek, citing the “spirit of forgiveness” and emphasizing peace and reconciliation.

A month later, in February 2023, President Kiir, invoking powers under Article 101 (q) of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011 and section 285 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, granted a pardon to seventy-one prisoners. Among those released, thirty-six were death row inmates, while thirty-five were serving sentences for failing to pay compensation or fines.