I hereby direct as follows: All Criminal proceeding initiated against Major General David Yau Yau, Officers NCOs and men under his command, severally or jointly under the criminal laws of southern Sudan shall be dropped with immediate effect
— PRESIDENT SALVA KIIR —
| BY DENG GARANG JOK |
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTAccording to the powers conferred upon me under the Article 103 of the interim constitution of southern Sudan 2005, I General Salva Kiir Mayardit, the president of the Government of southern Sudan and the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan people’s Liberation Army, SPLA, hereby issue an executive pardon for Major general David Yau Yau,”
President Salva Kiir has ordered SPLA Chief of Staff to call off offensives planned against forces of a now ex rebel Major General.
The order comes as David Yau Yau who hang up arms late June, saying that life in the bush was tough and unbearable and causing a stir, receives a presidential pardon.
Said Kiir: “According to the powers conferred upon me under the Article 103 of the interim constitution of southern Sudan 2005, I General Salva Kiir Mayardit, the president of the Government of southern Sudan and the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan people’s Liberation Army, SPLA, hereby issue an executive pardon for Major general David Yau Yau,”
Yau Yau, who instigated fighting and carried out militia raids, following on the heels of Sudan People’s Liberation Army retired Lt. Gen. George Athor’ rebellion, apologized to the people of Pibor, telling them that he won’t go to the bush again. (See New Times, Issue 2).
“I will not go back to the bush again,” Yau Yau said at the time. “That bush was not that bearable a place to stay.”
His public apology followed closely on a statement by Jonglei Governor Lt. General Kuol Manyang in an earlier interview with New Times that painted a picture of a state where people are losing interest in militias.
The president decreed David Yau Yau, officers, and men, under his command, who were facing such criminal proceedings, shall be free to come to southern Sudan and enjoy free movement in southern Sudan.
“I hereby direct as follow. All Criminal proceeding initiated against Major General David Yau Yau, Officers NCOs and men under his command, severally or jointly under the criminal laws of southern Sudan shall be dropped with immediate effect,” said Kiir.
Kiir said the Pardon nullifies any standing military orders against Yau Yau and his group.
“The chief of General staff of Sudan people’s Liberation Army SPLA is herewith notified through this order to carry out necessary implementation,” according to the Decree.
