President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Statement Underscores Peace Solutions in South Sudan

August 31, 2016(Nyamilepedia) —– While visiting the war-torn South Sudan, the Kenyan President, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, made statements that could jeopardize the Agreement of Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan(ARCISS) – a peace agreement that was signed in August 2015 -, deployment of regional protection force that has been passed by the UN Security Council and many other milestones that were made in attempt to return a lasting peace to the world’s youngest nation.

Although Mr. Kenyatta did not tour the country, as war continues in more than 3 of the 10 states, the Kenyan president suddenly felt at home and strongly assures that peace has returned to Juba.

“I have seen for myself that after the unfortunate incident that took place a few weeks ago, everything in Juba looks like it’s back to normal. There is peace in Juba which is a very good indication” Kenyatta said.

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In company of the new First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai, president Salva and many diplomats, Mr. Kenyatta promised his supports and that of Kenyans in form of food aid and physiological needs.

Taban visited Mr. Kenyatta last week and asked for food and other material support from the Kenyans’ government.

During this visit, unlike his earlier visits, Kenyatta promised to work closely with Salva Kiir government to ensure that there is peace and stability in the country.

“We have seen a goverment that is working in harmony, and ours really is to encourage them; to encourage them to ensure that that there is peace, to encourage them to ensure that there is stability in South Sudan.” Kenyatta continued.

The Kenyan president, who received John Kerry last week in his capital, reteirates Kerry’s call for reforms to consolidate peace and security in South Sudan.

“Urged South Sudan President Salva Kiir to implement reforms to consolidate peace in the country including security arrangements provided for in the comprehensive peace agreement.” Kenyatta said.

Responding to social media allegations that his visit was largely arranged by the US Secretary of State to consolidate TROIKA’s position and to pass on Kerry’s message, the Kenyan president said his abrupt visit shows solidarity between Kenyans and the people of South Sudan.

“Besides focusing on the peace process, my visit to Juba today was also a show of solidarity with the people of South Sudan. We will offer the people of South Sudan our support both moral and material.” Kenyatta said.

Following Kerry’s visit, the Kenyan parliament scrapped a motion to send Kenya Defense Forces(KDF) to South Sudan as part of 4, 000 strong force to protect civilians and installations including the South Sudan’s Juba International airport as requested by the UN Security Council.

Coincidentally, the motion which was tabled by the Majority Leader, Aden Duale, on August 18, “as a matter of urgency”, was withdrawn within 24 hours on August 23rd, following  Kerry’s visit to Nairobi on August 22nd.

Although the idea of “4000 strong force” was submitted to the UNSC and strongly supported by the United States, the Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister, Amina Mohamed, who received Kerry, gave much of the credit for the idea to Kenya and the region.

“The Security Council resolution is complementary to what we had done as a region and the issue – and I think that’s really, really important to underline, that the whole issue of a protection force was brought up by the region and did not come from the Security Council in New York.” Amina Mohamed while responding to journalist on behave of Kerry on August 22nd in Nairobi.

While Kenyatta and Kerry threw their loads behind Salva Kiir’s regime, it not yet clear if the two nations will continue to push for a Protection Force against Salva Kiir’s “reservations”.

Reacting to controversial positions, newly adopted by the divided IGAD region and TROIKA, the opposition is challenging the Kenyan leader and Mr. Kerry not to be blindfolded by a relative calm around the palace(j1) while ignoring fighting outside Juba.

“The safety and security around J1, can not be terms as the safety, security or stability of the whole Country, President. Uhuru, has been mislead.” Said Hon. Reath Muoch, a MP who resigned his position in Kiir’s government.

Like other observers, Reath believes that the controversially appointed First Vice President, who do not control SPLA-IO, will create an army out of Salva Kiir’s army to prove a point.

“In addition, Gen.Taban Deng, is also faking the Contonment areas around Juba by recruiting youth in the Capital with the help of the Government in order for them to fake and proof something. Faking peace is not for the benefits of the people South Sudan; our people need the real peace.” He said.

“President Kiir, with your new friend Taban Deng, please keep your friendship out of the affairs of South Sudan and stop fooling the World to maintain your new marriage in the expense of our people of South Sudan.” Reath continued.

Scholars like Professor Mahmood Mamdani, the Executive Director of Makerere Institute of Social Research in Kampala and Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba(PLO), the Director of The Kenya School of Laws, have plainly stated that South Sudan will not have peace for the next ten years under the current leadership.

As Uhuru Kenyatta visits South Sudan’s capital, Juba, fighting was still going on in Wanduruba of Central Equatoria, a town the opposition claimed to have captured. Similar fighting went on in Pajut of Jonglei State and Renk of northern Upper Nile.

Within the last 3 week children were also abducted by Murle raiders in Jonglei State and untold number of civilians were killed by government troops in Yei.

Related stories:

• South Sudan: Government Soldiers Killed More Than 10 Civilians And Looted Property In Yei River County
• Bishop: South Sudan Leadership Failed Citizen
• South Sudan: Armed Opposition Building A Stronghold Around The Capital As Machar Recovers!