South Sudan president downplays threat of UN sanctions
March 18, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir on Wednesday downplayed the looming threat of UN sanctions, saying it would be counter-productive.
“The threat of sanctions has been waved in my eyes, but I cannot be threatened with that,” he added.
The president, in his long address, blamed armed opposition leader Riek Machar for allegedly frustrating the last round of talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He also ruled out any possibilities of sharing power with Machar, contrary to proposals put forward by the regional mediators as a remedy to the country’s violent conflict.
“I don’t agree with the suggestion that Riek be given the position of vice-president,” said Kiir. “I don’t accept the issue of the two armies.”
He agitated for practical solutions to the conflict that has killed thousands and displaced nearly two million people since December 2013.
“We want practical solutions and now is the time to do what is best for our people. No president negotiates with rebels, but I went to negotiate with Riek because I want peace, but Riek thinks we are equal that is why he became intransigent,” he told the rally.
The president, in his address, demonstrated optimism that the 15-month-long conflict would one day come to a conclusion, however long it might take.
“There is nothing which does not have an end, everything has an end,” he said.
The South Sudan leader blamed the regional mediators for allegedly lacking consistency in preparing the agenda for the negotiations.
“All of you have seen me going to Addis Ababa to meet with my brother Riek Machar so that we resolve the issues, but always when we go we find that the goal post has been shifted to another place. And all the time when we go and stumble on a new agenda, in such a way you don’t expect peace to come,” said Kiir. “But I am confident we will bring peace to South Sudan.”
The UN Security Council (UNSC) unanimously resolved to impose sanctions on individuals obstructing peace in South Sudan early this month. The conflict has killed thousands of people and displaced nearly, two million others, humanitarian actors say.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) is seeking to end the war through a Transitional Government of National Unity.
KIIR BLASTS EX-POLITICAL DETAINEES
Meanwhile, Kiir has slammed the country’s former political detainees for allegedly championing calls for South Sudan to be placed under a UN trustee.
“[The] former political detainees are the ones lobbying for our nation to be taken over by the UN and that’s why I told you that this flag cannot be taken away,” he said, while pointing at the country’s national flag.
“[The] former political detainees are being welcome with red carpets across the world instead of being treated as criminals,” he added.
The president avoided mention of what plans his government had in place to address the ever-rising cost of living or to end the conflict.
South Sudan’s cabinet affairs minister, Martin Lomuro, urged citizens to support president Kiir’s stay in power, warning the nation could descend in to chaos if the latter was deposed.
“Citizens of South Sudan, if your remove president Salva Kiir, you will see what will happen to you,” said Lomuro, without elaborating further.
Defence minister Kuol Manyang said the creation of two armies in the nation was unnecessary.
(ST)