Kenya’s ex-president criticises S. Sudan leaders over conflict

February 12, 2015 (NAIROBI) – Kenya’s former president , Daniel Arap Moi has criticised the way South Sudanese leaders mishandled the post-independence era, citing the ongoing conflict that has killed thousands, displaced millions and put more than 2.5 million people at risk of famine.

“When I was spearheading the Comprehensive Peace Agreement talks that led to your independence, I expected you to approach your national issues as brothers and sisters. This would have enabled you to attain peace, security and rapid economic development,” Moi told South Sudanese governors during a meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday.

“But it appears you were not ready for independence,” he added.

The ex-Kenyan leader, SSTV reported, urged South Sudanese leaders to forget their bitter political rivalries and end “senseless killings and maiming of innocent civilians”.

Moi is the first prominent leader within the region to openly criticise the over one year conflict that has killed thousands of people and displaced close to two million people since it broke out in late 2013.

A six-member delegation of the governors visited the former Kenyan leader at his Kabarnet Gardens home in the Kenyan capital.

At the meeting Moi also reminded the leaders how South Sudanese citizens endured great suffering since 1947 and that it was now time for them to develop in a peaceful and harmonious nation.

“Millions of the people who sacrificed lives did so because they wanted to establish a free, peaceful and prosperous nation and should be emulated by the country’s current leadership,” he stressed.

Clement Wani Konga, head of the governors’ delegation, acknowledged the diplomatic roles played by the former Kenyan leader in peace efforts that saw South Sudan secede from Sudan.

The South Sudanese representative to Kenya, James Morgan accompanied the governors to meet the former Kenyan president.

In 1997, Moi appointed retired Kenyan army General, Lazaro Sumbeiywo as chief mediator in peace talks initiated by the East African regional bloc (IGAD) to end war between the Sudanese government and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) rebels.

Last year, Sumbeiywo was again appointed one of the mediators in the IGAD-led peace talks between South Sudan government and the armed opposition faction.

(ST)