South Sudan rebels accuse Kiir of creating police state
March 21 2015 (JUBA) – Officials from South Sudan’s armed opposition faction have accused president Salva Kiir of transforming the young nation into a police state, where citizens disregard the rule of law and carry out ruthless killings.
“Such events are occasions where leaders discus the achievements they have made in their countries. In South Sudan, there is nothing,” Akol told Sudan Tribune Saturday.
The rebel official claimed Kiir has only succeeded in turning the country in to a police state, a feat which no country would seek to emulate.
“What will Salva Kiir say if he is given the opportunity to address such a high profile event?” said Akol.
The South Sudan leader is currently in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek to attend the inauguration event of his counterpart, Hage Geingob.
According to the rebel official, the numerous threats to media freedoms, suppression of opposition voices and arrests, among others were clear indications of a state operating on police orders.
“You are in Juba, are you free to do your work as a journalist. Ask those of Dr Lam Akol what happened to him and his team who were part of the political parties to the negotiation. Why were they blocked and prevented from travelling out of the country?” he said.
“This is indication that the government of Salva Kiir and friends is clearly determined to turn South Sudan into a police state which operates without regards to rule of law, only the rule of those with the guns and power, which is unacceptable,” he added.
Meanwhile, Awaya Makuei, the opposition’s deputy principal liaison office in Sudan,also questioned Kiir’s leadership abilities, saying he often relied on prepared speeches to address the public.
Kiir was elected president of semi-autonomous Southern Sudan in the 2010 elections, garnering 93% of the votes. However, despite the armed opposition questioning Kiir’s legitimacy, his supporters are determined to ensure he retains power.
(ST)