The people of South Sudan truly appreciated IGAD goodwill effort in trying to find a solution to the current crises in our country; however that effort should not be at the expense of our ordinary civilian call for democracy, freedom, justice and peace in South Sudan. In the last few days IGAD has call for deployment of a proxy force with the intention to protect oil installations and other vital asset to the totalitarian regime in Juba.
This development has called into question the motive behind IGAD with regard to its standing as a well-respected institution in Africa. In light of this matter it seems IGAD is overstepping its mandate which is only to mediate between the two warring party and nothings more. IGAD has no moral authority to unilaterally decide to deploy troops into South Sudan because doing so would mean taking a side in the conflict and will only escalate the already volatile situation.
We the SPLM Nebraska chapter would like to urge IGAD mediator countries to reconsider their position pertaining to this matter because not doing so would have a far higher consequences for the region as a whole. Allowing for deployment of such a force would constitute a violation of South Sudan sovereignty and just like what Uganda has already done.
We do not see the need for deployment of another proxy force when there is UNMISS force already present on ground in South Sudan. We would like to acknowledge the tremendous job UNMISS force as been doing on ground since day one and on daily basis in South Sudan; despite the contrary mirage of propaganda being level against them by some out-of-touch elements within South Sudan government.
We the South Sudanese in Diaspora would like to reiterate our full support for the work UNMISS personnel has been doing in South Sudan. They have executed their job diligently and in a very professional manner having gone up above and beyond their call of duty. They deserve an unfettered access in their quest to assist the vulnerable internal displace persons. No legitimate authority in their right state of mind would dare block a humanitarian effort whose intent is to assist civilians. This kind of lunatic behavior is unacceptable and deserves to be condemn and punished within full length of law.
We the SPLM Nebraska chapter condemn in the strongest terms possible the continual presence of Uganda People Defense Force on territorial integrity of South Sudan because their continual presence will not and cannot bring sustainable peace in South Sudan. Uganda which is a member country of the IGAD has been fighting alongside the forces of Juba dictatorship government starting from day one. Ever since the started of the conflict the entire civil population of South Sudan has been calling for their unconditional withdraw from territorial integrity of South Sudan; hence its seem this sincere call has fallen on deaf ear.
We urge IGAD to call on Uganda to completely withdraw its troops from South Sudan. At this juncture of history this esteemed institution cannot afford to go against people’s wish on this critical issue of South Sudan sovereignty being violated by one of its members states.
If the IGAD mediator countries goodwill effort whose sole intention is to find justifiable solution to this unfortunate turmoil are indeed serious about this peace process. They first must work hard on pushing both warring parties to live up to their commitment on the first sign agreement implementing it in its entirety or other why this peace process is a waste of time and resource. Currently the war is still raging on without any end insight and our civil populous suffering is still on going.
By Makuel Wie
The author is Acting Chairman of SPLM Nebraska Chapter