A presidential aide has expressed doubt of the possibility of President Salva Kiir attending the upcoming religious celebrations by Episcopal Church, which are meant to mark the 100 years of the existence of the Church in the region.
Kiir is due to visit Yei this month, raising hopes from the citizens and religious leaders that the visit would coincide with the celebrations expected to draw attendance and participation of members of different community members and traditional leaders in the area. Observers also feel it would be an opportunity for him to talk to the people about national dialogue he declared in December, and how he intends to achieve it.
“I am looking at the schedules of the president and there are no signs showing that he would go to Yei soon to attend 100 years anniversary of the Episcopal Church in Yei. There are no indications at all, a presidential aide at the presidential protocol department said Thursday when asked whether there were preparations showing the president would to Yei soon.
The official also said the president may delay the recommended visit to Yei due this month. He, however, attributed the cause of visible lack of preparations to security, saying visits of the president are usually planned after adequate surveillance and protection have been assured.
“The president may go, perhaps not, if the security does not recommend. His movements are determined by security reports. It is not what the politicians say. The politicians can go to the media and announce the president will go to this and that place today or next but the security organs are the ones with upper hands and say where he should and where not”, he explained.