The resolution of a stand-off between the Government and ex-army chief Paul Malong has been welcomed by the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

General Paul Malong, the former chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), was fired and has been under house arrest at his residence in the capital, Juba, since May.

Tensions developed recently after the issuing of a presidential order requiring a reduction of Malong’s contingent of bodyguards. There were fears the situation would lead to violence in the capital but, earlier this week, a presidential decree was issued releasing Malong from house arrest and allowing him to leave the country.

That decision by President Salva Kiir followed intervention by the Concerned Citizens’ Committee for Peace (CCCP), led by acting chairman Dr. Francis Deng, who has been praised by the UNMISS chief “for acting as a mediator between Mr Malong and the Government to reach a resolution”.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba today, David Shearer said the conclusion of the issue reflected well on all parties involved who had “put South Sudan and stability in Juba before all other concerns.”  

David Shearer has held regular meetings with the Government and all parties involved in the situation. He said that the UN Mission in South Sudan remained committed to helping build durable peace in the young East African nation and that it would continue to offer support in relation to the Malong issue if requested by both parties to the dispute.

“Our role is to help build durable peace in South Sudan and we are here if you need our support,” he said.