Two freed MPs in Lakes state call for peace and reconciliation
August 30, 2015 (RUMBEK) – Two former Members of Parliament (MPs) in South Sudan’s Lakes state, called for peace and reconciliation among rival communities after they were released last week in the state capital, Rumbek, after 10 months in prison without charges.
MP Isaac Makur Buoc, representing Rumbek East county constituency number 13, was released with his colleague, Marik Nanga Marik, representing constituency number 2, on 22 August, 2015 in the county.
The two lawmakers spent over 300 days in jail and released without charges after president Kiir intervened late.
Speaking during the thanksgiving event, Buoc urged Rumbek East population to advocate for peace and reconciliation within their family members. Buoc He said talking for peace was the best tool to wed for peaceful future.
He encouraged his supporters to work hard for putting platform for peace instead of allow revenge and counter-revenge in the community.
Marik Nanga Marik, flanked his colleague and urged residents to be valiant in putting peace first than supporting personal interests that divide state inhabitants.
He described his arrest as normal and urged his supporters to support national government to implement the peace deal signed by South Sudan’s president Kiir and the armed opposition leader, Riek Machar.
“Work in support [of the] recent peace signed by president Kiir – your goal now must be to build peace if you really supported me- supported national government with your heart and soul. We need peace so that our children could harvest nice future,” he said.
The thanksgiving ceremony was attended by top government officials.
Lakes state has been in cycle of revenge killings and unlawful arrests of civil activists and politicians with public losing interest in the current state administration led by military caretaker governor, Major General Matur Chut Dhoal, who also survived the recent reshuffle.
(ST)