By Jenifer James
The Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy, Ter Manyang, has criticized Ugandan President Juba, stating that it does not address South Sudan’s pressing challenges. This comes after the president of Uganda stated that he is for bilateral relations.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Ter Manyang argued that Museveni’s visit is primarily focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and South Sudan rather than addressing the country’s ongoing political and security crises.
“I think President Museveni purposely is not coming to address the issues that are facing the country. I think in this act he said he’s coming to make a meeting concerned about the bilateral relations between two countries.” Ter said.
According to Ter, Museveni is diverting from the real issues of leaders in South Sudan.
‘’Which bilateral relations he’s talking about, and yet the country now, we are in the war, and he is supposed to, I thought he is coming in respond from the invitation by the African Union Panel of Wise. So, this is a concern I think Museveni is trying to divert from the reality of what is happening in South Sudan.’’ Ter said.
Ter expressed disappointment in what he described as a diversion from South Sudan’s urgent problems, including the deteriorating peace agreement and the house arrest of opposition leader Dr Riek Machar.
‘’As a human rights activist and civil society member, I am really disappointed in the state for him to treat the actual issues happening in the country we are just talking about. We are just talking about the bilateral relationship between two countries, so it is supposed to direct his, you know, his treatment of issues, including the house arrest of Dr Machar. They should come and have a discussion, you know, and the way forward.’’ Ter said.
Ter stressed that Museveni’s visit lacks any significant impact unless it directly addresses the country’s ongoing crisis and the AU’s calls for intervention.
According to the office of the president of South Sudan Facebook page stated that President Salva Kiir Mayardit this afternoon received his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is on a state visit to South Sudan.
The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations between Juba and Kampala, besides the current political developments in the country.