Kiir forgives Machar, warns over power struggle
- 30 December 2022
- In News, South Sudan, Uncategorized
December 29, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir said he has forgiven First Vice President Riek Machar, whom he accused of causing power struggles in the young nation.
He was speaking during a church occasion at St. Theresa Catholic church in Kator, Juba on December 25.
“It will be up to him to apologize to the nation, or he doesn’t, but I have forgiven him. We are supposed to concentrate on the development of our country instead of a power struggle,” said Kiir.
In September 2018, Kiir and Machar signed a revitalized peace agreement and formed a transitional coalition government in February 2020
However, in August 2022, the parties to the peace agreement signed a two-year extension of the unity government, postponing elections until late 2024.
The former rebel commander turned politician and became the president of the young nation said he decided to stop going to the church in Juba because some people were hostile towards him.
“There were elements in this cathedral whenever I come, they talk in a way that would not allow me to be here but I have forgiven them. You all know that I am the leader of the SPLM and SPLA. We fought the war of liberation with all our hearts and with our commitments until we liberated the country and raised our own flags,” stressed Kiir.
He added, “Something that increased our suffering and we have been condemned by the whole world because there was reason to liberate the country and then turn the same guns against ourselves”.
(ST)