The amnesty GoSS president offered to four renegade commanders and other armed forces accused of crimes against the people of South Sudan was meant to consolidate unity and security during the referendum, but it has to be followed by a real reconciliation process between victims and perpetrators.
Isaac Kenyi heads the Justice and Peace Commission of the Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference. He told SCR News that the presidential pardon granted by Salva Kiir Mayardit was meant to bring together Southerners ahead of the referendum and improve security to allow a favourable environment for referendum in January 2011.Mr. Kenyi added that perpetrators and victims should be brought together to achieve real reconciliation.
Mr. Kenyi added that effective reconciliation called for restitution and reparation in order to heal and restore relationships.
He added that the presidential amnesty was a political act.
Mr. Kenyi said the Church is still calling for a genuine reconciliation process among the people of south Sudan and Sudan at large.
Mr. Kenyi added that a full reconciliation process bringing together victims and perpetrators to forgive each other should start soon after the referendum.