Twenty three people, including 11 children, have been freed by a rebel group in South Sudan in an operation facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The agency said in a statement that it acted on a request from the National Salvation Front (NAS) – an armed group active in the Equatorias – to facilitate the release of 23 persons.

“The operation took place on 31 December 2019 in coordination with all relevant authorities, allowing families to be reunited with their loved ones at a time of celebration. Before bringing them to Juba, the ICRC – acting as neutral intermediary – ensured that the released persons were handed over voluntarily and that their health condition allowed them to travel safely,” said James Reynolds, the ICRC head of delegation in South Sudan.

The agency said this is the fourth time it has facilitated the release of persons held in captivity since the signing of the peace agreement in September 2018.

South Sudan has been dogged by conflict for the better part of six years now, as President Salva Kiir’s troops battled forces loyal to former vice president Riek Machar.

Since December 2013, the conflict has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced more than 3.9 million people − approximately one third of the population, according to Amnesty International.

Hopes are now rife that a peace deal between the various warring factions will reinstate lasting peace to the country.

Under the agreement, a transitional unity government will be formed in February with the various armed groups also merged to create a national army.

The transitional government is expected to stay in power for three years after which national elections will be held to elect a new president.

SOURCE (ICRC)