The National Consensus Forum (NCF) has strongly denounced the recent eruption of the deadly inter-communal violence in Malakal between Shilluk and Padang Dinka ethnicities, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and property.
The National Consensus Forum (NCF) is an umbrella organization comprising 21 South Sudanese political, civil society, women, youth, and faith-based organizations and academic and professional associations and represents a major segment of the South Sudanese society.
In a statement sent to Radio Tamazuj on 31 May, the UN Mission (UNMISS) said it was deeply concerned about the outbreak of violence in Malakal, Upper Nile state, which led to the deaths of several people the previous day and that tensions remained high in the UN Protection of Civilians Site adjacent to the Mission’s base in the state.
According to sources, the death toll from the clashes rose to at least eleven, including four people killed in Fashoda County which prompted the targeted killings in Malakal.
“The NCF extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, communities, the region, and friends who lost their loved ones during this heinous conflict which could have been prevented if the government of South Sudan could have intervened timely to protect and save its citizens and their properties from the destruction,” an NCF statement extended to this publication read in part. “The NCF believes, that even during the long difficult journey for freedom, the South Sudanese have never witnessed such a high rise in the horrendous inter-communal violence as they are witnessing today, this is because of President [Salva] Kiir’s policy encouraging and sponsoring inter-communal conflict and lawlessness for its political gain, survival, and lifeline.”
According to the NCF, it is the government’s duty, responsibility, and prerogative to protect its citizens and their property and ensure that there is law, order, and stability.
“The rise in inter-communal conflict between communities who have co-existed together in peace and tranquility from time immemorial is clear evidence of the government’s political failure and lack of seriousness in search for lasting peace,” the statement lambasted. “The government has failed the people of South Sudan, and it is an urgent call for all the peace-loving South Sudanese people to stand together to bring an end to this brutal regime.”
The umbrella group called on all the community and national leaders in South Sudan, and worldwide, friends, and well-wishers of the region including youth leaders, faith-based leaders, women leaders, and the International Community to join hands to urgently stop what it referred to as the barbaric and senseless conflict and to immediately kick-off the process of effective and inclusive dialogue and reconciliation, to restore normality, harmony, peace, and stability in Malakal and all over the country.
“We continue to aspire for peaceful coexistence, good governance, and socio-economic development as genuine dividends of freedom,” the NCF statement concluded.