S. Sudanese refugees boycott anniversary festival at Kakuma
July 16, 2015 (KAKUMA) – South Sudanese refugees living at Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya’s Turkana’s district have boycotted the country’s fourth independence event, saying there was no need to celebrate when civilians still face the havoc of the conflict.
He urged the international community and the East African regional bloc (IGAD) to expedite the mediation process between the South Sudanese main warring parties.
“The international community and IGAD must be responsible for failing to bring peace and the continued atrocities committed by pro-government forces killing, raping and looting civilian properties,” said Wel.
John Manyuon, a refugee from Jonglei state, said they adjourned the festival after the warring parties failed to reach an agreement despite endless efforts by regional leaders.
He criticised the recent decision by South Sudanese lawmakers to extend for three more years the mandate of president, Salva Kiir.
“The only way for South Sudan to get peace is when president Kiir quits the presidency. This will give the political atmosphere for citizens to decide the leader who will lead them in the transitional government of national unity,” Manyuon told Sudan Tribune.
James Gatdet Gatluak, a victim of the conflict, said most South Sudanese refugees were still traumatised by the unending conflict, which has killed tens of thousands of people.
“Majority of refugees suffer from lack of enough food and water in the camps,” he said. “There is no good atmosphere to celebrate the day, because the anniversary is all about happiness, not sadness”.
An estimated 1.6 million people, aid agencies say, have been displaced by the conflict on South Sudan since its outbreak in 2013, while up to 4.6 million could face severe famine.
(ST)