A member of the SPLM-FDs doubts whether South Sudan’s armed groups, including the current government, have the leadership qualities required to unite the country.
South Sudan’s parties have been appealing to the international community to support the revitalised peace deal, which is five months behind schedule due to lack of funds.
“I don’t believe that the current leadership carrying arms will unite the people of South Sudan. They will not understand each other and will not unite themselves,” said Oyai Deng Ajak, a leading member of the SPLM Former Detainees.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Monday, Gen. Oyai, a former chief of staff of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, said all armed groups have subjected South Sudan citizens to immense suffering.
The opposition official, who lives in exile, emphasized on expeditious implementation of the 2018 peace deal.” We are part of the implementation of the peace agreement… We will be in Juba during the formation of the transitional government in May,” he said.
Ajak urges South Sudan’s parties to make a genuine peace process in South Sudan.” What is important now is that our people are suffering and they need peace. We don’t need peace on paper. We need a genuine peace that will bring back our people and will make them happy,” he stressed.
The civil war has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes.
Ajak said key provisions in the pre-transitional period have not been implemented, including security arrangements.
“Our people cannot go back to their areas if their boundaries are not determined. They cannot go back if there is no security in their areas, so all these things must be implemented first,” he said.
Ajak called on South Sudan’s political leaders to demonstrate the leadership needed to bring an end to the conflict. “We want our people to be united. Tribal conflicts should stop so that we tell the world that we are one people and we want South Sudan to develop. I hope the upcoming government will be inclusive,” he said.