Dec 17, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The Pandang community of Upper Nile State reiterates their rejection for the SPLM-IO’s plans to hold a Conference in Fashoda to harmonize issues on the appointment of their proposed candidate, Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony.Â
In protest of the Upper Nile state conference that was expected to commence today in Juba, the Padang community is accusing the party chairperson of being the cause of destruction and killing of innocent civilians in Padang areas.
The Padang community expressed their disapproval of the conference in a letter that it wrote to the president.
“We, the leaders of representing counties including Baliet, Akoka, Maluth, and Renk got surprised by the press release which was issued by Dr riek Macharthe First Vice President of the Republic dated to 13th December 2020, where he called for Upper Nile Conference scheduled to take place on 16th to 19th December 2020 in Juba,” the Padang wrote in the letter to the president.
According to the Padang community letter, Machar proposal for the conference is against the Presidency press release, which stated that the reconciliation conference was to be called by the president.
“Dr. Riek Machar decision to hold the meeting in Juba is contrary to the Presidency press release, which stated that it is the president who should issue decree for preparation of the reconciliation conferences for the communities of the Upper Nile State,” the letter continued.
The letter said that the Padang Communities were against the move by the SPLM-IO chairman to call for the conference adding that they will not attend the conference.
“As a result, the Padang Communities Strongly rejected this unilateral move of Dr. Riek Machar and Padang Community in Upper Nile State decided not to attend this conference,” read the letter.
It also accused the leader of the main opposition group of being the reason of the havoc and mayhem in the area.
“Dr Riek Machar as chairman of SPLM-IO is the cause of destruction and killing of innocent civilians in Padang areas and his forces are still occupying Padang areas,” the letter continued.
The Padang-Dinka community disapproved the SPLM/A-IO conference, saying it is only the president who is approved to resolve the Upper Nile State issue.
“Dr Riek Machar contradictory statement about Upper Nile Communities conference which is contrary to the presidency statement, dated 9th December 2020, article 3 and 4 where it stated that the president shall issue a decree to formalize of the decision of Presidency and Not Riek Machar to do so,” the letter stated.Â
Yesterday, the SPLM-IO cancelled the conference citing delay in arrangements.
The SPLM/-IO conference was proposed during the SPLM/A-IO sixth convention in Juba on December 6th, 2020; however, the presidency came up with its own resolution a few days later on December 9th to organize an inclusive conference for the people of Upper Nile State.
