Voluntarily return home, Machar tells IDPs and refugees
February 28, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar on Sunday appealed to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to voluntarily return home and help government implement the peace deal.
He was speaking during prayers jointly organised by his office and the Presbyterian Church at the protection of civilians’ site in the capital, Juba.
The armed opposition leader urged the IDPs to embrace peace, reconciliation and forgiveness to enable the country move away from its troubled past and open a chapter of peaceful coexistence and prosperity.
He reiterated the commitment of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to fully implement the agreement, saying the unified forces would be deployed in two weeks time to provide protection and security guarantees to the citizens to allow free movement of people.
“Dr. Machar also called on the IDPs to form a committee for the reclamation of looted land and properties to register and record claims to help the government act appropriately to return houses and properties to the rightful owners,” the office of the First Vice President stated.
It added, “The First Vice President further urged the IDPs to end intercommunal conflicts among themselves in the Protection of Civilians site and work for the unity and development of the country as the revitalised agreement guides the country towards a democratic process to elect the future leaders of South Sudan in a free and fair Elections in December 2024”.
For his part, the Presidential Affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin also echoed calls for the voluntary return of IDPs and refugees to their homes.
Meanwhile the representatives of the IDPs reaffirmed their full support and commitment towards the implementation of revitalized peace agreement and government to improve security across the country.
He further called for provision of resettlement land and other basic services.
More than 50,000 people attended the peace prayers held under the theme; “Come Together for a Peaceful South Sudan” at the protection of civilians’ site in Juba.
(ST)