South Sudan operatives block protest in Jonglei state

Women carrying placards and small, white bags on their heads presented a white paper with the writing “Every delayed salaried of the organized forces and civil servants can not purchase flour or beans”.

It was the first attempt by organized women groups in the country, the majority are wives of wounded heroes and widows of fallen war veterans.

The protest letter, addressed to President Salva Kiir through the governor of Jonglei state, called for immediate attention to the high prices of basic commodities to improve the standard of living in the state without which peace demonstration will continue until this demand is met.

“Your excellency, standing before you today are the aggrieved citizens of Jonglei state, drawn from all the professional associations, women, business groups, sports groups, students, pupils, religious groups, women groups, youth groups, and civil society”, the group presented in a letter extended to Sudan Tribune on June 14.

It explained the situation the citizens are experiencing daily, citing the high cost of living and lack of employment opportunities while the meagre salaries paid to the armed forces and civil servants take more than six months with no hope despite extended length of time it takes.

“We are united today by this endlessly ever-rising high cost of living. we are suffering and starving from this high cost of living. we can no longer afford food for ourselves and our families. We can no longer afford medications and school fees. Civil servants are unjustly being dismissed. We can not make profitable business anymore including our local fish business. Our small businesses are overtaxed and hence taxed out of business. Every delayed salary of the public employees including organized forces can not purchase the very basic commodities that are even scarce in the market,” further read the petition.

“We cannot cultivate our field because of insecurity. We have endured all these problems thinking that our government is indeed working hard to alleviate the suffering caused but to our dismay, all these worsen day by day. We are tired. We have come today to say enough is enough”, it added.

Observers and analysts have expressed fears the protest presents an opportunity for either the transitional government of national unity led by President Salva Kiir and his first deputy  Riek Machar with four other deputies to address the issues behind the high costs of living or risk growing into a nationwide uprising if political opponents use it as an opportunity to organize the masses.