E. Equatoria governor queries rebels’ commitment to peace deal
August 2, 2015 (TORIT) – The governor of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state, Louis Lobong has questioned the country’s armed opposition faction’s commitment to the recently-signed peace deal.
He further said the armed opposition group had embarked on a massive mobilisation anf recruitment campaign, allegations Sudan Tribune could not independently ascertain.
“We are following with great concern the continued negative messages and propaganda issued over media by Dr. Riek Machar and his associates contradicting the peace agreement they signed on the 17 August this year”, said the governor in the capital, Torit.
The question is, why mobilise and attack when the peace agreement had been signed? These serious negative messages explain the lack of seriousness and commitment by the rebels to the signed compromise peace agreement and its implementation, he added.
The governor also questioned claims by the rebel leader that 600 political prisoners were allegedly killed by the government in the capital, Juba on 25 August, and wondered why the latter used media propaganda instead of directly contacting President Salva Kiir.
“Dr. Riek Machar has raised a very serious allegation accusing the government of the Republic of South Sudan of killing 600 political detainees. This allegation is politically motivated and intended to create fear and prevent people from returning to their original homes”, said Lobong, who doubles as chairperson of the ruling party (SPLM) in the state.
A rival faction of the armed opposition movement has voiced concerns over the new peace deal, a matter Lobong said raises eyebrows on Machar’s leadership abilities.
The governor, however, said it was time to start building confidence and trust among South Sudanese and the country’s two main leaders for the sake of national unity.
(ST)