Sept 30, 2015(Nyamilepedia) — South Sudan’s incumbent president, Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit, who skipped the 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York on protest of unfavorable treatment, remains an uncertain hope for peace in the world’s youngest nation.
Speaking in Juba, South Sudan, Salva Kiir strongly reiterates his commitment to implement the peace agreement that he signed “under pressure” on August 26th this year, however, the world’s leaders fear if General Kiir will commit to his signature this time.
In response, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon urges the incumbent president to not betray the hopes of millions of South Sudanese people.
“I think it is now your responsibility and your brother Riek Machar and the leaders of South Sudan to make your country put on a peaceful path… we are here all to help you, I hope that you will not betray and disappoint us.” Ban said.
Recalling the joy and euphoria of South Sudan independent in 2011, Ban reminds the South Sudanese leaders that their people need nothing but peace, and therefore the government and the oppositions must work collectively to restore stability in their country.
In his address, Mr. Kiir insists that the peace agreement is not complement because the political opposition parties did not sign the document.
Emphasizing on their number, Kiir believes that 18 political parties, who are allocated 7% in power sharing arrangement, are not represented in the agreement and therefore the agreement is incomplete.
Contrary, the leader of the said political parties, Dr. Lam Akol, who has been serving house arrest and intimidation in Juba, was forcefully removed from boarding a plane to attend the peace talks by Salva Kiir’s security forces in Juba.
Other key political parties leaders like Peter Abduraman Sule of United Democratic Party, who went missing in July in exile this year, sneaked out of Juba in 2014 after he was prevented to attend the peace talks in the Neighboring Ethiopia.
Read:South Sudan’s UDF Chairman Feared Dead!
The president, however, urges doubting partners like the United Nations, which he refers as “doubting Thomases”, to be patience and give him the benefit of doubt to prove his commitments.
Although the government still holds onto their 12-pages reservations and rejects establishments of hybrid courts that is expected to hold both sides accountable for atrocities commitment in the 2 years conflict, the government has began demilitarization of the capital, Juba. Foreign troops are also expected to complete withdrawal within the next ten days.
On the other hand, the leader of the armed opposition, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, has reiterates his commitment to fully implement the agreement and calls on the other side to do the same.
“I particularly call up on my brother president Salva Kiir Mayardit to gather necessary political will to implement this peace agreement in letter and spirit. He must start by withdrawing the reservations he has placed on the agreement. The unity of our people is dependent on this agreement.” Machar said.
Machar, as a leader, believes that everyone must be held accountable for his deeds.
During his interviews in New York, Machar reiterates his acceptance and commitment to establishment of Hybrid Court and boldly urges his side to abide and corporate with such process to reconcile and re-unite the country.
The opposition leader has led the campaign for AU to publish their long awaited reports on atrocities committed in South Sudan.
“In the other hands, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the AU peace and security council for discussing the report of the AU commission of the inquiry on South Sudan conflict and for making the report public.” Machar said.
Machar has shown similar commitments in the past. He apologized for atrocities committed under his leadership during the previous fallout in the then rebel movement, SPLM/SPLA, and also declared his assets in 2012 when the government was involved in grave corruption and land grabbing.
In other reports, while Dr. Machar is expected to return to Juba, South Sudan, in December this year, senior generals of SPLA [IO] are expected to travel to Juba as soon this Friday to prepare modalities for implementation of the permanent ceasefire agreement; according to Micheal Makuei Lueth, the Minister of information and broadcasting.
5 comments
Kiir should be given what he want but let the UN send a way UPDF then you will see Killer Kiir coiling his tell under his legs
Defeated SPLM-IO Leader has the right to go back ,but it is up to Nuer if one man position is for all Nuer.
The great disappointment is by far coming from Kiir faction of SPLM/A. Juba dishonoring the peace agreement signed. Their continues attacks on the Pagaak forces & civilians all over the country is a violation. When will Juba ceased their aggressions inorder to make the implementactions possible for the interim government. Like Torbar said Kiir will only be cooperative when defeat stare him in the face and UPDF forces are nowhere to save him.
this peace will not be implemented force peace can not work. UPDF is not the one that protected Rebel of Riek Machar to controll the country it is weakness of rebel that is why the international community and IGAD force peace itis when they see that Riek machar has fail to achieved his goal he was claim in the begaining that he will capture juba and all the states.Now you talked of UDPF, UDPF are going away and white Army,Gelweng,Dutkubeny and national army are there in the ground you will still be slaughter like goat if Salva Kiir were not the man Peace
18 political parties of which some of those parties are not armed. They are 7% out of 93% of pro-peace give and take. Last year the government faction of Kiir was denying some of the same political parties participants at peace negotiations. Why is it so important now that implementation peace be stalled because of these group or is it a technical delay in hope that heavens comes down in favor of these criminal thugs in Juba.