South Sudanese refugees sceptical of peace deal

November 23, 2014 (KAMPALA) – South Sudanese refugees who fled to Uganda are doubtful about the warring parties reaching a peace deal mediated by the East African regional bloc (IGAD).

Nyaliep Gatlong, who hails from Leer county in Unity state, accused both armed groups of human right violations at various battle fronts.

She claimed the warring parties were not ready to ink a meaningful peace deal.

“I could not rest every day as I reflected back home with thousands of people die. I witnessed a lot of killing with my physical eyes and that makes me always not to settle comfortably,” said Gatlong.

She lost father-in-law in February when government forces recaptured Leer from rebels loyal to ex-vice president, Riek Machar.

“When the government forces took control of the town in February many people were killed. I and my three children had to walk for a couple of weeks before reaching Bentiu to look for food,” said Gatlong.

Several refugees who fled to Uganda since crisis hit the country last year said it was unlikely the warring parties will agree on a peace deal, despite a 15-day ultimatum from the mediators.

Peter Gatdiang, another South Sudanese refugee in Uganda also cast doubt on hopes of both sides inking a permanent peace deal.

“I cannot believe there will be peace as both side does not agree with power sharing mentioned in proposed document by IGAD. I get surprised when the two warring parties talk different thing in the media, while the mediators talk of concession reached by both leaders in power sharing,” he said.

Thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced since conflict broke out last year.

(ST)