Exiled Nuer youth oppose IGAD’s power-sharing proposal

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

November 14, 2014 (ADDIS ABABA) – A Nuer youth leader has strongly opposed rejected the power-sharing proposal by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for South Sudan.

In an interview with Sudan Tribune on Friday, Koat Gatkuoth Thoat Diu, the president of Nuer Youth Union in Ethiopia described as “unacceptable” the proposal involving president Salva Kiir.

He urged the mediators to reconsider their proposal.

“We wonder why IGAD should reward president Kiir who has committed gross human rights violations and crime against humanity in the country,” said Diu.

“We would like to make it clear that if IGAD power sharing proposal is intended to bring peace, Kiir should simply step down”, he added.

IGAD, which is mediating between the two warring parties recently said progress had been made in the power-sharing arrangements between the two principal leaders during the 28th extraordinary summit by the regional heads of state and government.

Tens of thousands have been killed and close to 1.8 million people displaced since fighting broke out in South Sudan late last year.

Both warring parties, human rights bodies say, committed crimes against civilians during the conflict, despite threats of sanctions.

A cessation of hostilities agreement reached between the two conflicting parties has failed to hold, often overshadowed by counter accusations of military offensives against each other.

Last month, aid agencies warned of looming famine in the country, if fighting continues.

(ST)