Rebecca Nyandeng, the widow of the late SPLM leader John Garang de Mabior, has declined an appointment by President Kiir to the national dialogue committee, saying there was a need to level the ground if the dialogue was meant to address the grievances.
“We must work to rehabilitate this national dialogue and create an environment that allows for the participation of all South Sudanese. There is a need to level the ground so that we can all speak frankly and honestly to avoid sliding back into the prolonged conflict that has pushed the population to the edge of existence,” said Rebecca in a stated dated April 27.
She denied any prior knowledge of her appointment, saying she received the news of her appointment by presidential decree through social media and other media outlets.
The former presidential advisor said it has taken her a year without meeting President Salva Kiir in person, recalling that she met the president only on 14 February, 2016, at which she appealed to the president to leave the past and welcome peace to the country.
“Exactly one year later, my message remains unchanged. It is essential that all South Sudanese, irrespective of tribe, gender or political affiliation are able to participate in a genuine national dialogue without fear of harassment or intimidation,” she said.
“I believe we come together as brothers and sisters we could rescue the country that we zealously fought for,” she added.
Nyandeng pointed out that South Sudanese leaders, including her, have failed the people in a catastrophic fashion. Nyandeng indicated that history will record them as having deviated of the SPLM laid by John Garang de Mabior.
She urged the South Sudanese leaders to admit their faults and set aside differences, while reiterating her commitment to a genuine and inclusive national dialogue in the country.