Civil society activists in W. Bahr el Ghazal demand timely elections
January 16, 2015 (WAU) – Civil society activists in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal state took to the streets on Friday demanding that the electoral commission conducts timely elections.
The activists criticised rebel leader Riek Machar’s alleged plan to divide citizens of Western Bahr el Ghazal state. Youth, women and trade unionists took part in the rally.
While officially addressing the protestors, the state governor Rizik Zackaria Hassan lauded the civil society for supporting government.
“Am very happy with your decision that you have taken to demonstrate against the rebel attempts in your state,” said Hassan.
“We are very cheerful that you all stand with you legitimate government, we are a democratic nation, this government was elected in by you, it is your right to defense it against anybody who attempt a shortcut to overrun it by a coup,” he added.
Saida Saliem Harun, the chairperson for the state women association said free, fair and timely elections are vital for the war-ridden nation.
“Women and children have more suffered at the hands of the rebels during this crisis, many of them were use as battle field grounds, sexual rapes and their husbands were killed leaving children orphans,” said Harun.
“We need the end of this power struggle through voting boxes, we don’t need continued destructions to the national economic and killing of children and women,” she added.
(ST)