Dec 15, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — During the December 15 Commemoration of the Juba Massacre, the country’s First Vice President and the leader of the armed opposition, Dr. Riek Machar, highlighted some of the critical decisions the SPLM in Opposition took in attempt to restore peace and tranquility within the last two years.
Counting on the shaky stability in the country, Machar recounts how he made difficult decisions that would have put lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, at risk if they backfired.
“Two years ago, I was told to be risking lives of others when I decided that our components in the implementation mechanisms would go to Juba without arms and similarly when I came to Juba without a force from the SPLA[IO) and accepted to be guarded by forces from ITGONU.” Dr. Machar said.
According to the SPLM/A-IO leader, those were not the only difficult decisions his leadership had to put up with, he also permitted the transitional period to kick off before the unified forces were trained or graduated.
“I wish to remind the doubting Thomas that we also made another difficult decision when we accepted to start the transition period on 22 February 2020 without any Necessary Unified Forces graduated and deployed.” Machar said.
Machar understands the critical decisions he was taking but he believes they were meant to enhance peace and stability.
“We all know that the security arrangements protocols are the backbone of this Agreement. However, we made those crucial decisions to enhance peace. In short, these actions measure our commitment to peace and to the implementation of R-ARCSS.” He added.
Without such decisions, Machar believes that the SPLM/A-IO would not have convened the conference they just concluded in the capital, Juba.
“A week ago, we convened a historic conference in Juba. The 6th SPLM/SPLA(IO) conference was held in a peaceful atmosphere.” Machar said.
“It was attended by delegates from all over the world. It is another measure that peace has returned to our country.” The Statement continued.
Marking the little progress made, the First Vice President wants the week after December 15 to be dedicated to reconciliation and healing in the country.
