South Sudan’s Vice-President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior has admitted that the government had failed in delivering services to the citizens and in supporting the liberation struggle veterans.
She said the failure was attracting curses to the country.
Nyandeng, who made her remarks at a ceremony to pay tribute to fallen SPLA veteran Gen Bior Ajang in Juba on Saturday challenged the national leadership to support the veterans and their families.
“This one is going to our President Salva Kiir. We should support our veterans when they are still alive so that they can take care of their families,” she said.
“Let us support the veterans and their children when they are still alive. We have some veterans without anything to do. Those people are walking corpses. Let us see how we can support them,” she added.
Nyadeng, who is in charge of the gender and youth cluster, expressed her doubts about many leaders, including herself, being re-elected, as they had disappointed the people.
The Vice-President pleaded with the spirits of the fallen martyrs to spare the leaders the curse.
“We hope that spirit of Bior Ajang brings back the peace we have thrown away. A pastor prayed for the spirits of Bior Ajang to be with angels. I am adding that it also be with that of Dr John Garang to redeem our country,” she said.
Gen. Bior Ajang Duot, a prominent leader and former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), passed away on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, at his residence in Juba due to cardiac arrest.
Gen. Bior Ajang, also known as Bior Asuod, was a key figure in South Sudan’s liberation struggle. Born on 1 January 1947 in Kongor, Twic East County in Jonglei State, Bior played a crucial role in the nation’s journey to independence.
In 2015, Gen. Bior transitioned from his position as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs to become a First Grade Ambassador and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
His leadership extended beyond his official roles and until his death, he was also the chairperson of the Twic East Community Association.