NDM urges government to provide adequate security to citizens
January 1, 2023 (JUBA) – The Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) should provide adequate security to citizens, an opposition group said.
The National Democratic Movement (NDM), in a statement, questioned why several communities are fighting each other in the three regions of the country.
“In Bahr El Ghazal the insecurity has rekindled historical grievances among sections of the Dinka tribe in Warrap and Lakes state. In Equatoria, clashes between the local population and cattle owners from Jonglei state is a common occurrence,” the statement noted.
The opposition group highlighted the situation in Upper Nile, where a section of the Nuers from Jonglei State are fighting Chollo in Upper Nile State and armed youth from Jonglei State are fighting the Murle in the Pibor Administrative Area.
“Whereas in other areas, the fighting is low-key and follow a familiar pattern, in Upper Nile region it has many worrying dimensions. Of course, any loss of life cannot be tolerated,” partly stated NDM’s statement.
It added, “In Upper Nile region the proxy wars that were taking place between the SPLM-IG and SPLMIO since the onset of the implementation of R-ARCSS in 2018, have boiled over to uncontrollable dimensions”.
The group, led by Lam Akol Ajawin, described the rift among the different factions of the armed opposition (SPLM-IO) as a “violation” of the 2018 peace agreement.
“Although it was a violation of the agreement it was controllable as it did not spread far and wide beyond a number of garrisons. This time the proxy war has gone wild. First, the SPLM-IO split in August 2021 into two factions that fought each other from December 2021 to January 2022,” it observed.
PRESIDENT KIIR ASSURES CITIZENS OF PEACE
Meanwhile, President Salva Kiir recognized security personnel, medical professionals and other front-line workers for their “diligent and relentless” efforts to serve the country, despite the challenges.
In his Christmas message released Saturday evening, the president said the festive season is a time of hope and joy, where “we draw inspiration from our Lord’s universal peace to humankind.”
“On this joyous occasion, on behalf of your government and that of my family, I would like to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to South Sudanese citizens within the country, in the region and across the world,” he stressed.
The South Sudanese leader urged citizens to cherish the warmth of family and friends and reaffirm their commitment toward peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.
(ST)