Leek blasts R-TGoNU for disregarding public opinion on extension

By Matik Kueth

King News 23^rd Sept 2024 Juba – Speaking at the CTSAMVM Technical Committee Meeting at the Beijing Hotel in Juba on Friday, Maj. Gen. Bior Leek, Former Detainees’ Senior Party Representative, stated that citizens’ opinions were meant to be gauged in order to determine their stance on the extension of the transitional period, regardless of their choices.

“We the parties have extended the life of the government for two years. It is good for us as parties because we are within the government. But what about the normal citizens of this country? Are they for the extensions? And how are we going to measure their voice? How are we going to know them, whether they are for extensions?” Leek said.

“For us, it is good with us because maybe I’m a minister or I’m working. So, it is good for me to extend the life for two years because I’m eating. What about those in the streets who have 10 years, 10 months without salary? So, we have to consider, we ask them whether they are for extension or not,” he added.

Leek noted that the roadmap’s failure could be attributed to the non-serious characters assigned to oversee the implementation of the peace agreements.

He emphasized that the individuals assigned to oversee and carry out the two-year transition period will likely be unable to meticulously execute the remaining prerequisites in the peace deal.

“Meanwhile, they are not responsible for generating the funding. Until now, we are not sure as a party from where are we going to fund the two years. So, it will be difficult for us to implement the remaining task because we don’t own the authority of funding,” he lamented.

Leek bemoaned the fact that the parties to the agreement may seek an additional extension even after the transitional period has been extended.

However, he urged president Kiir and FVP Machar to keep a vigilant eye on those who are not committed in carrying out the peace deal, particularly the national transitional committee (NTC).

“In case we just implement 10% of the agreements and 33% is ongoing, it means that we are not serious. So, urge the government, the president, the vice president to look into those who are tasked with the monitoring of the agreements. Change the personality, bring new faces to implement,” he emphasized.

On September 13th, 2024, the parties to the agreement to 2018 peace agreement agreed to extend the transitional period for another two years until 2026.

The decision was reached during a meeting held by President Kiir with the cabinet ministers, deputies and advisors in Juba.

According to PPU, the transitional government also postponed the elections initially scheduled for December 22, 2024 to December to2026.

After the presidency meeting, Tut Gatluak, Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, told the media that the extension is an opportunity to implement the critical remaining protocols in R-ARCSS, such as the permanent constitution process, census, and the registration of political parties.

Meanwhile, Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the extension is in response to the recommendations from both electoral institutions and the security sector. Citing pending critical tasks necessary for the successful conduct of elections, necessitating the delay, saying there is a need for additional time to complete essential tasks before the polls.

The Presidency also emphasized that the remaining months of the current transitional period will be utilized to mobilize funds, aimed at the effective implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.