The Secretary-General of the South Sudan Islamic Council, Sheikh Abdallah Baraj Rwal was reelected to steer the body for a third term in January this year. He says the Council and Islamic clergy believe that genuine democratic elections are the only way to end political violence and conflict in South Sudan
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, the Muslim cleric shares critical perspectives on the upcoming elections in South Sudan and delves into the multifaceted dynamics of the political landscape. Sheikh Baraj offers valuable insights into the likelihood of timely elections, the importance of peace, and the role of religious leaders in fostering unity during this critical period.
Read on to explore the nuanced perspectives that shape the intersection of religion and politics in the context of South Sudan’s democratic journey.
Question: As the Islamic Council, do you believe elections in South Sudan will be held on time?
Answer: Firstly, I appreciate your visit to the Islamic Council and I am pleased with your commitment to bridging the gap between the clergy, citizens, and our government. Let me begin by congratulating ourselves on the arrival of the New Year 2024, hoping it will bring peace. While men of God refrain from direct political involvement, we advise and encourage our leaders in South Sudan to prioritize and maintain peace.
The 2018 revitalized peace agreement explicitly mandates elections at the end of the transition period. In commitment to peace, we advocate implementing the peace deal as stipulated, with elections held at the designated time. Before the elections, we urge leaders to engage in dialogue, fostering consensus among all parties.
I extend a call to our president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, a compassionate leader who has made significant compromises for peace that he has achieved 70 percent in silencing guns across South Sudan, and that he should deal with the little that remains. It is akin to someone completing a house with a small remaining task that requires wisdom to ensure elections do not become a catalyst for renewed conflict.
My message, echoed by the Muslim community, is that we support our government and encourage President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, and all four vice presidents to convene, draft a roadmap, and ensure the elections proceed smoothly. While supporting elections, we emphasize the need for the president to exercise wisdom while engaging in dialogue with all parties to the agreement to avoid discontent.
The price of peace surpasses the cost of war. Despite the government’s substantial responsibilities and expenses, as long as our citizens are safe and there is security nationwide, we consider it a gain. With no losers in this scenario, as Muslims, we back elections, calling on the president to use his wisdom to garner agreement within the government for elections. This approach ensures an inclusive democratic process, preventing a return to violence.
Our hope is for elections to bring lasting peace, a permanent constitution, and a transformative difference. We trust that President Salva Kiir will guide us with wisdom, fostering enduring peace, unity, love, and harmony, allowing us all to live as brothers and sisters in our country with peace and love.
Q: Do you believe the December polls will be free, fair, and credible?
A: I cannot provide a definitive answer to that question. The responsibility lies with the president, his first vice president, and leaders of the political parties. They must collectively agree on ensuring the elections are free, fair, and transparent. I conveyed a message from the U.S. embassy to the president, emphasizing the need for dialogue and consensus for the elections to be supported by the people.
While time is limited, if parties engage in sincere discussions, there is a possibility of conducting free and transparent elections. The primary goal should be the supreme sovereign interest of the nation, and not all provisions in agreements worldwide are implemented at once. We must prioritize what we can achieve now and address the rest later. We, as Islamic clergy, will closely work with our leadership to ensure peace remains the top priority and that elections contribute to stability rather than leading us back to conflict.
Q: In your capacity as an Islamic clergy, what roles will you play in this process?
A: Our role is a joint effort with the Christian clergy to prevent violence in South Sudan. We advocate for a democratic path to power, as the route to leadership should not involve violence but rather democratic means. The ruling system in South Sudan should be determined through democratic processes, allowing the people to choose their leaders. I, Sheikh Abdallah Barach, was elected through a democratic process at the beginning of 2024. After my tenure, we conducted elections across ten states, overcoming challenges, and ensuring legitimacy.
This is the example we want to set for South Sudan. We urge the people and the government not to view elections as impossible. By sitting down, reaching agreements, and fostering a sense of responsibility, we can pave the way for a democratic South Sudan. Conducting elections will garner respect globally, international cooperation, economic growth, and an improved national condition. We took up arms initially to fight for democracy and elections will fulfill that goal by giving people the right to vote for their chosen leaders. We encourage a spirit of brotherhood and commit to supporting any decision the government makes to ensure peace in South Sudan.
Q: What measures will you take to ensure violence is avoided during the elections?
A: We have faith in the responsibility of the South Sudanese people. If the leadership agrees to hold elections, we, as religious leaders, will mobilize our communities. We will engage with mosque and church congregations to advocate against violence.
South Sudan has demonstrated wisdom and maturity, especially during the referendum. With 64 tribes that have experienced the bitter taste of conflicts, we have reached a point where peaceful coexistence is paramount. As Muslim leaders, we will collaborate with citizens in mosques to ensure the elections are conducted peacefully, similar to the Islamic Council elections in January 2024.
Q: How will you contribute to fostering unity during the December polls?
A: The Islamic Council focuses on the four core issues of peace, reconciliation, dialogue, and unity. Since the peace agreement was signed, we have consistently worked towards these pillars, recognizing that without them, there can be no development. We call on our people to reconcile and forgive, promoting unity and peace amid misunderstandings. Through continuous efforts, we believe that God will assist us in achieving peace, reconciliation, dialogue, and unity.
Q: Can you elaborate on your activities to promote peace and unity?
A: The Islamic Council collaborates with religious leaders in mosques for the betterment of our nation. The trust between the government, citizens, and religious leaders is evident. During conflicts in Malakal, Bor, and Bentiu, churches and mosques served as unifying factors.
To prosper like other nations, we emphasize preaching the word of Allah to unite people. All tribes are indigenous, and the government should stand neutral, ensuring justice and respecting each community’s culture and property. There is no discrimination among tribes, and intermarriage is common. Trivial misunderstandings can be resolved through dialogue, fostering love, harmony, and a sense of brotherhood. Our mosques symbolize unity, as they are not specific to any tribe.
Q: Will you conduct civic education?
A: Our past election serves as an example where people united and elected Abdallah Barach. Despite fears of violence, dialogue and consensus prevailed, starting a new chapter. I acknowledge some shortcomings and ask for forgiveness, emphasizing that leaders should sit with their people, share achievements, and seek support for lasting peace. Politicians should follow suit, acknowledging achievements and seeking forgiveness for unfulfilled pledges as they strive for a peaceful future.
Q: Will you collaborate with Christian clergy?
A: Absolutely, the Islamic Council and the South Sudan Council of Churches will work together. Despite being a minority, we have religious tolerance and live, eat, and work together harmoniously. We call on the government to support religious leaders, as independence doesn’t mean exclusion from budgetary support, especially considering the significant role they play in fostering peace and unity.