Dr. Peter Biar Ajak, a former child soldier and renowned critic of President Salva Kiir’s leadership style, has expressed concerns about the upcoming elections in 2024.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, Dr. Biar, the Interim Chairperson of Revive South Sudan Party (RSSP) and Coordinator of the Coalition of Restoration for Democracy Alliance (CRDA), shared insights on his plans to return to South Sudan, the challenges facing political parties, concerns about the upcoming elections in 2024, and the need for a change in leadership.
Below are edited excerpts:
Q: Dr. Biar, you mentioned your interest in returning to South Sudan in a previous interview with Radio Tamazuj. When are you planning to come back?
A: My intention is to return as soon as possible. However, there have been developments since our last conversation. During President Salva Kiir’s visit to the United States in September for the UN General Assembly, I sought a meeting with him to secure assurances regarding my safety. Despite his previous statement that the same security afforded to other political leaders in Juba would apply to me, I’ve heard concerning rumours about discussions at the National Security Service and J1. I wanted to meet with the president or his associates to confirm his commitment to the safe return of those, including myself, who are currently abroad and wish to participate in the political process.
I reached out to UN Ambassador Akuei Bona Malual, U.S. Ambassador Philip Jada, and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Cecilia Adeng. They assured me of delivering my message to the president. I was ready to travel for a meeting with the president, but I was informed that not only did he decline the meeting, but he did so vehemently. This was surprising given his public commitment to democratic elections that are inclusive and involve everyone.
The advice I received from these diplomats was that, personally, I should reconsider my decision. The president’s words indirectly referenced my security, and considering the threats I’ve been receiving from those around him, this was not a favourable situation. While I remain prepared to return, I urge the president to issue an amnesty, not just for me but for all political leaders and opposition groups abroad who are willing to participate in the elections in South Sudan.
Q:Can you provide more information about the initiative at the family and community level aimed at reconciling with the president and convincing you to withdraw from the presidential race?
A: The initiative was not directly related to political issues but stemmed from the president’s displeasure with remarks I made during the late Mwai Kibaki’s funeral. Expressing his upset, the president complained across the country, asserting that he felt insulted. When he visited Bor, he conveyed this sentiment to elders and the chief security officer, expressing his frustration at being criticized by a younger individual. This concern extended beyond my family to the broader Greater Bor Community.
Many individuals reached out to me, and my brother travelled to the United States to discuss the matter. Family friends and senior military members also visited me, leading to the apology I issued in May.
Subsequently, both my family and the community made efforts to reconcile with the president. Representatives attempted to meet him, including senior members such as Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, to ensure reconciliation. Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts, the president was unwilling to engage. Multiple letters were sent, and visitation attempts were made, but the president did not make himself available. Consequently, these reconciliation efforts stalled, as the president demonstrated a lack of interest in any form of resolution.
Q: Do you still plan to run for the presidency, and do you believe there will be an election in 2024?
A: At this juncture, I have serious doubts about the credibility of the upcoming election in 2024. I’m not even confident that the election will take place. The actions of the president signal a lack of commitment to a genuinely democratic electoral process in South Sudan.
The restrictions on Dr. Riek Machar’s travel, the suppression of Dr. Lam Akol’s attempts to organize a welcoming party, and the contentious appointments to the reconstituted National Electoral Commission, as highlighted in Riek Machar’s recent statement, raise significant concerns. Additionally, the National Political Party Council, despite being sworn in, lacks the resources to commence the political party registration process.
Moreover, the president’s unchanged approach, characterized by the fear of coups leading to arbitrary detentions, creates an atmosphere of fear. Over the past decade, the president has consistently employed this strategy as elections draw near, either fostering conflict or civil war or instigating an insecure environment conducive to arbitrary detentions of political leaders.
Instances like the seizure of SPLA-IO t-shirts by security agencies further highlight the unpreparedness of the environment. Financial resources are lacking, and even the international community appears sceptical about the president’s seriousness in organizing a fair and transparent election.
Q: If all the necessary resources and conditions are met, are you still willing to run for the presidency?
A: Certainly, if an amnesty is granted, and a safe and secure environment is created, we are more than willing to return to the country and actively participate in the elections.
As I mentioned previously, our party, Revive South Sudan Party, intends to hold a national convention to select candidates interested in running for various positions in the elections. However, given our alliance with other political parties, a collective discussion is needed to identify the most suitable candidate to challenge the president. If our alliance partners agree that I am the best candidate, it would be a great honour. I am confident in my case and believe that I can win the election.
Q: There are concerns from citizens regarding your party—no registration, no visible activities on the ground. How do you plan to hold a convention while you are not in the country?
A: To address the concern about party registration, it’s important to note that no political party, including the SPLA/M, has been registered in South Sudan. All parties were waiting for the reconstitution of the National Political Parties Council, which has now taken place, initiating the registration process.
It’s not exclusive to the Revive South Sudan Party; no political party in the country is currently registered. The key issue is the functionality of the organization, which is hindered when it cannot operate independently. Other political party leaders, such as Dr. Riek Machar and Dr. Lam Akol, are on the ground, but like us, they face challenges due to the restrictive environment.
It is crucial for the president to change his approach, particularly in dealing with security services, especially the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) led by Director General Akol Koor. The ISB’s actions, including arrests, political space restrictions, and intimidation, hinder political activities. Recent disappearances across the country are alarming, indicating a resurgence of National Security Service activities.
The president needs to make a clear decision on whether he wants an election. If so, he must rein in the national security chief and ensure a conducive environment. Furthermore, critical laws, including the unreformed National Security Act, highlight the failures of institutions. The Parliament, under the Speakership of Jemma Nunu Kumba, is perceived as ineffective, engaging in debates to expel members like Juol Nhomngek, who advocate against corruption and abuse of power. This signifies a collapse in governance institutions, with leaders acting as autocrats driven by personal interests in money and power.
Q: Dr. Biar, South Sudanese perceive you as campaigning against the country. What is your response to this?
A: No, I don’t believe that the majority of South Sudanese see me as campaigning against the country. I think the overwhelming majority understands that I am campaigning for the country but against the current regime that has hijacked the gains of our long struggle.
During our 21-year fight, our goal was to establish a democracy and build an inclusive economy that provides opportunities for young people and ensures job access for women to care for their families and orphans left due to the justified reasons leading to the deaths of their parents.
What has transpired, however, is rampant corruption, arbitrary arrests, detentions, and killings that need to be exposed. It’s crucial for South Sudanese and the international community to be aware of these issues and seek justice. Those who perceive me as campaigning against the country are likely associated with corruption and the network responsible for the country’s destruction. It’s essential to hold such individuals accountable.
Q: What do you believe needs to be done for South Sudan to achieve peace?
A: The foremost action required is the removal of Salva Kiir from leadership. There cannot be lasting peace in the Republic of South Sudan as long as he remains at the helm. His 19-year tenure has been a disaster, evident in the ongoing conflicts, such as the recent clashes in Warrap State between Twic Mayardit and Abyei, and internal strife within the president’s own in-laws in Apuk and the Marial Wau community.
Q: Do you propose Salva Kiir’s removal through the electoral process, or do you have another method in mind?
A: I have consistently advocated for removal through elections as the only genuine method. However, President Salva Kiir has not allowed the necessary space for that process. Consequently, I believe it’s up to the people of South Sudan to decide. Whether you’re a journalist, a soldier, a businessman, a magician, or a spear master, each person should contribute in their capacity to ensure Salva Kiir is removed from power. I won’t dictate a specific method; individuals should choose what is best for them to contribute to the removal of President Salva Kiir from power. Thank you.
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