By James Gatdet Dak
April 13, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — We are not opposed to the proposed interim government in South Sudan. Our leadership is very clear about this.
We are, however, saying it shouldn’t just be an interim government per se.
The core issues of conflict are about the nature of the state which Salva Kiir happens to lead unfortunately, in a dictatorial manner.
Our leadership therefore, prioritises agreeing on the future of the state; restructuring it in a participatory process which should involve various stakeholders.
This is about the constitution. It is about how the country shall be governed. Should we go federal, etc?
After agreeing on how to restructure the state, then an interim government can be formed.
As you can see, this process necessitates that Salva Kiir steps down.
He has failed the country in many ways and plunged it into the current crisis we are in.
We shouldn’t expect him to lead or become part of this overhauling process because he doesn’t believe in it; hence he doesn’t have the political will to do it.
Equally, we don’t have to endorse or take anybody else for granted to lead an interim government, or the restructuring of the state.
We are cautious not to sneak in another potential dictator who may further drag the country into another crisis.
This is one of the reasons why it is best for the people of South Sudan to agree first on the future of the state before forming an interim government.
We also don’t see the reason why some people suggest that our leader, Dr. Riek Machar, should equally step aside.
He has done no wrong. He was running away from a dictator in Juba who vowed to eliminate him and his colleagues by all means simply because he insisted on the need for reform and pushed for it in the ruling party and government.
The armed resistance he is now leading was imposed on him as well as on the people of South Sudan who support his democratic beliefs and style of leadership.
For the last nine years in and outside the government, he has been a popular strong voice in defense of democracy, including multiparty politics, pluralism, justice, equality, freedom, etc.
He envisions prosperity and unity in diversity in South Sudan and despises corruption, tribalism and so on.
It would, therefore, be a terrible mistake by some others not to agree and make use of his leadership qualities which our country is badly looking for at this point in time.
He is well versed to lead the interim government, protect the constitution and ensure installation of democracy and better system of governance, which shall usher in peace, stability and prosperity for the suffering people of our nation.
James Gatdet Dak is the Spokesperson for the rebel leader, Dr. Riek Machar.
