South Sudan president blames rebels for war in the country

July 9, 2015 (JUBA) – President Salva Kiir of South Sudan said hopes after achieving independence of the country were dashed when his former deputy, Riek Machar, allegedly attempted a “coup d’état” and launched “rebellion” in December 2013.

President Kiir in his speech marking the 4th anniversary of the country’s independence on Thursday said unlike the previous wars which the people of the region fought against Khartoum’s successive regimes, this war was a creation from within.

“This time, we created our own valley through misunderstanding, poor performance, corruption, tribalism, hatred and aggressiveness,” he told a crowd of people who attended the commemoration at late John Garang’s ground in Juba.

“The mistakes of few among us affected each and every one of us and the impact was felt in every corner of South Sudan,” he said.

He decried the destruction caused by the 19-month long civil war, saying greater Upper Nile region, home to the rebel leader Machar, severely faced the consequences.

“The little infrastructure we had in Bor, Malakal and Bentiu were destroyed,” he reminded.

He however said his government was working hard to bring peace back to the country and urged the citizens to support him through an inclusive negotiated process but not an imposed peace agreement.

Kiir also called on the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who shelter in different protection sites manned by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to come out of their refuge and live like the rest. He also said he understood their hesitation to come out.

The South Sudanese president who had his tenure extended by parliament for three more years commended the decision, saying this would give him ample time to make reforms and carry out development in the country.

“Due to the current crisis in the country, our parliament made a righteous decision some months ago to extend the tenure of the current government for three years,” he emphasized.

He commended the former detainees for returning to the country under his leadership, saying “I call upon the rest in the rebellion to join us in order to save the lives of innocent civilians and their properties.”

The colourful celebration was however only attended by president Yoweri Museveni of Uganda as the only head of state that showed up despite invitations to many other heads of state and government to join in the commemoration of the historic day.

Foreign ministers from Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia and Kenya represented their countries at this event.

(ST)