The former governor of Western Equatoria state Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro said Thursday from the US that bombing and killing civilians is not the best option to bring peace in South Sudan.
Bakosoro said killing civilians wastes human resources. He said issuing ultimatums to armed groups won’t bring peace, but bringing the warring parties to roundtable negotiations can succeed.
The former governor made the comment following reports that four thousand government militia are moving towards Equatoria region amid fears of mass killing of civilians verging on genocide.
“Despite the worse scenario of killing innocent people, there should be negotiation with all warring groups in an attempt to bring lasting peace to South Sudanese, majority of who are in IDP and refugee camps,” he said.
Bakosoro said the government has the upper hand in bringing the senseless war and suffering to an end.
”War will never solve or end rebellion, but I believe that it is only negotiations and compromise that will end the untold suffering of innocent South Sudanese. I know very well that there are people or individuals within the government who gains from the failed system in South Sudan,” he continued.
“Oil is also another curse in a country that is ravaged with thousands of guns in the hands of individuals and many warlords in existence. But what does it benefit the government and its cliques if they gain the whole resource of the country, and loses legitimacy by the citizens of South Sudan?” the leader questioned.
He added that tyrannical governments of the past have ended miserably after killing their people, noting that justice prevails even if it takes one hundred years and that the legacy of war will continue for generations.
Christmas approaches
The former governor said he hoped the Christmas season brings about a change in heart.
”I hope this Christmas bring good heart to our South Sudan leaders to understand that peace should prevail and peace is the presence of justice for all. The little resources available should be used to feed the hungry, and to cure the diseased, and deliver social service to the country,” he said.
“Today many do remember me when I was campaigning for agriculture production, school campaign and justice for all. I will never relax giving the same message which I believe is the only safeguard for human development. but if government choses war, that is inevitable but costly,” he said.
Separately, the governor also added that the Azande Paramount Chief Wilson Peni remains in detention of the South Sudan government’s internal spy agency known as National Security Services.
”The chief is still in detention with NSS. His wife has just gone to know about him in Juba. The Azande in diaspora talked to Azande in Juba in person of speaker and members of the parliament to struggle for his release. But up to now, no clear information about his release,” Bakosoro said.
The former governor claimed that the current governor in Yambio, Patrick Raphael Zamoi, has ordered Peni’s arrest.