South Sudanese urge Kiir to step down from power

July 9, 2015 (KAMPALA) – Supporters of South Sudan’s former vice president Riek Machar commemorated the country’s fourth independence anniversary in Uganda with calla for pesident Salva Kiir to relinquish the office he occupies “unconstitutionally”.

At a rally conducted in the Ugandan capital on Thursday, the group described parliament’s decision to extend Kiir’s term in office as a “red card” and called for mass uprising.

Desmon Tut, a South Sudanese refugee in Kampala, told Sudan Tribune that Kiir’s new mandate for another three years was likely to escalate fightin in parts of the country.

“President Kiir term in office has elapsed. There is no way he can continue holding the public office without another votes from people. To me this is just a joke calling for Kiir to rule the country for another three years,” said Tut.

Samboya Par Gatluak, another South Sudanese in Kampala, say claimed the president had failed to bring peace in the country. He called on members of the international community to immediately take bolder step to end the conflict in the country.

“The death of people is becoming worse in some parts of the country,” said Gatluak, who accused forces loyal to president for allegedly oppressing against unarmed civilians.

Claudio Omdurman, a member of the SPLA/SPLM representing Western Bahr el Ghazal, in his address, said president Kiir initiated a divide and rule policy in South Sudan.

“Western Bhar-el-Gazal was the first victims in 2012 when they were conducting a peaceful demonstration. But when they were doing this peaceful demonstration, Kiir’s regime ordered for their shooting,” he said.

Thousands of rebels’ supporters celebrated the country’s independence at Makerere University in Kampala, with some holding flyers and chanting “Salva Kiir must go”.

Buay Keke, deputy head of the rebel office in Kampala, said their leadership was fade up with the Juba government after several attempt by regional leaders to broker a peace deal.

“The leadership of the SPLA/SPLM’s position toward peace negotiation is very clear to bring everlasting peace for all,” said Keke.

“Our position is very clear toward peace; we welcome African Union initiative for another involvement of Rwanda, Nigeria, Niger, South Africa and China plus Troika countries to participate in peace talks. But the Kiir regime in Juba does not want peace,” he added.

(ST).