S. Sudan signs peace deal with armed faction in W. Equatoria
November 17, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan government announced the signing of a preliminary peace deal with two separate armed groups in Western Equatoria state, raising hopes of an end to hostilities between local youth and the army in the area.
A host of other players, including official from the civil affairs division of the United Nations mission in South Sudan played key roles in negotiations.
The South Sudanese government was represented by Victor Edward Danda, a member of the Council of States in Juba and Daniel Nimeri from South Sudan’s national security services at the signing of the agreement.
The armed group, which mainly comprised of youth, fought against South Sudan government troops, accusing the latter of allegedly lacking equality, human right abuses and committing atrocities with impunity in the state.
Bishop Hiboro said the signing of preliminary deal as a millstone towards reaching a comprehensive peace accord between the group comprising of vigilant youth and the Juba government to end hostilities in the state.
“This is a millstone today to see that the two parties from the government and South Sudan National Liberation Movement have signed a preliminary peace agreement to end the suffering of the citizens of Western Equatoria state,” he said.
The cleric congratulated the youth and government for the bold decision taken by choosing peace and not war to promote stability in the country.
Victor Wanga, a commanding officer of the SSNLM who signed the agreement on behalf of the armed group said they did not pick up arms and entered the bush to fight the government but simply wanted to raise alarm so that those in power can listen to their grievances and address them.
“We did not leave our homes to enter the bush to fight the government but to draw the attention of the government to listen to our complaints and we are not fighting any tribe”, said Wanga during the signing of the agreement.
The ex-rebel official urged the government to listen to aggrieved youth and citizens in the country than ignoring and acting contrary to the will of the people, warning that this may increase hostility and suffering of innocent people.
He further urged the communities in Western Equatoria state to return to their farms for cultivation and asked the government to hold responsible those who will continue to create insecurity with name of arrow boys.
“They [arrow boys] don’t want war but peace and will continue to be in the bush until final peace is signed and security arrangement done for their safety”, said Wanga.
Meanwhile the government representatives said they heard all the youth’s grievances and would forward them for further review and considerations.
(ST)