Ex-army chief says South Sudan faces collapse if talk fails
April 16, 2015 (JUBA) – A former chief of South Sudan’s army has warned that the country could collapse unless its warring parties reach a compromise at the peace negotiations.
He was speaking at an event, which brought together a range of community groups and voluntary organisations who regard reconciliation as key in efforts to end conflict.
According to Hoth, the country’s citizens can only reconcile, if people forgive and willingly accept to reconcile with one another.
“The country is facing difficulties. It is a difficult moment. How can we heal the scars of hatred? These very questions vexed leaders in our country. We all know families and communities are affected adversely, but need to heal and rebuild. Getting the country back is the priority. Peace must come first before anything else,” said Mai.
He said the country’s criminal justice system may not easily handle the backlog of trials unless people embrace forgiveness, which benefits both the giver and receiver.
“Forgiving uplifts the forgiver,” said Mai. “Yes, many people died innocently [as a result of the fighting] and people are bitter about these deaths,” he added.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced since violence broke out in the country in December 2013 following tension within the ruling party. Over 100,000 people are reportedly still living in United Nations protection of civilian sites.
(ST)