By William Madouk
A civil society activist is calling on President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his deputy, Dr. Riek Machar to pursue negotiation and face-to-face discussions rather than military options.
“I urge President Salva Kiir and First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar to choose dialogue and engage in face-to-face discussions rather than resorting to military solutions,” Ter Manyang Gatwech, the Executive Director for the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA).
He added “The relative peace we currently have in the country is better than nothing. South Sudan cannot afford to go back to full-scale war.”
The human rights activist emphasized that, based on his interactions with friends from the international community, Africa, and the Western world, South Sudan will be forgotten crisis.
“If the leaders do not handle their internal affairs with wisdom,” Ter continued.
He stated that Kiir and Machar had a direct obligation to promote peace, citing their significant expertise with Sudanese and now South Sudanese challenges, and that there is no military answer anywhere.
“There is no military solution anywhere in the world; the only option for conflict resolution is dialogue. It is time for South Sudanese leaders to prioritize the interests of the country over their personal interests,” he stressed.
Mr. Ter noted that some of them were born into battle, went to school during the war, married in the midst of the fighting, and their children are still living through it.
“This is not the country we desire. We want a nation where there is the rule of law, human rights, good governance, democracy, and enough food on the table for its citizens,” CPA boss noted.
“I call upon the international community, the African Union, UNMISS, and other partners to intervene in the current situation,” he concluded.
– ‘Teetering on the edge’ –
Recent conflicts have centered on Nasir County in northeastern Upper Nile State.
In early March, a loose gang of armed youngsters known as the White Army, linked with Machar, took over a military post in Nasir.
The army responded with aerial strikes in nearby areas, including the use of bombs containing a highly flammable liquid that acts as an accelerant upon explosion, according to a statement Monday by Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
“These indiscriminate attacks on civilians are causing significant casualties and horrific injuries, especially burns,” Haysom said, adding that an estimated 63,000 people have been displaced.
Haysom said the country was “teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war”.
Analysts say Kiir has been taking steps in recent months to sideline Machar, promoting new members to the cabinet without consultation as the 73-year-old prepares his succession.
Last week, he replaced the Machar-allied governor of Upper Nile State with one of his own allies.
Machar’s party claims 22 political and military personnel have been imprisoned since February, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam.