Authorities in South Sudan’s border state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal pledged their support to President Salva Kiir and the government in the implementation of the peace agreement signed with Riek Machar’s rebels.
“I pledged to stand behind the president in every single step he makes towards peace, tranquility, and unity of our people,” said caretaker governor Akot Deng Akot in a statement read over South Sudan state television. “I am assuring the president of the republic here at this gathering that he will never be alone. The people of Aweil will always be ready to extend undivided support to him and his government.”
Akot spoke at a Muslim religious festival. He also assured Muslims that the government would respect their religious freedom.
“As authorities in this state, we pledged to you our assurance to creating a conducive environment for you to practice your faith without fear of any threat or intimidation from anybody,” he said. “We are a secular country. We do not follow any specific religion as a government. Religion in our constitution does not play a specific role in our politics.”