An armed group in Western Equatoria state said yesterday they have entered negotiations with national authorities to bring peace to the region.
Victor Wanga, the commander of the South Sudan National Liberation Movement (SSNLM) with headquarters in Yambio county, said they signed a preliminary agreement Monday aimed at ending hostilities with the government.
He said the SSNLM took up arms to force the government to listen to their grievances because their views were ignored when aired peacefully.
“We did not leave our homes to enter the bush to fight the government but we simply wanted to draw the attention of the government to listen to our complaints. We are not fighting any tribe,” he said.
He accused government forces of killing innocent civilians with impunity and undermining peace processes, as well as falsely accusing his group of being associated with Riek Machar’s rebels. He also said the government has failed to appreciate the successful struggle of the people of Western Equatoria to defend against the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Ambororo Arab militia.
The commander further complained of inequitable distribution of power sharing and promotion in the ranks in SPLA to Equatorians.
Victor announced a unlateral ceasefire for his side on Monday in Gangura Payam, Yambio County, Western Equatoria state in the presence of Roman Catholic Bishop of Tombura Yambio Diocese, Edward Hiboro. Representatives of the United Nations and other players in the area attended as well.
A member of the Council of States in Juba Victor Edward Danda and Daniel Nimeri from South Sudan National Security Services attended the meeting and said they will present the SSNLM’s grievances to the national government in Juba.
Bishop Edward who spoke at the function in his capacity as chief mediator urged the government to listen to the aggrieved youth and citizens in the country rather than ignoring and acting contrary to the will of the people.
The Bishop warned that ignoring grievances may increase hostility and suffering of innocent people. He further urged the community to return to their farms for cultivation and asked the government to hold responsible those who continue to create insecurity.
The church leader described the signing of the deal as a milestone towards achieving peace in the state where local armed groups have fought government forces numerous times this year. He stressed dialogue is better than war.