Kiir calls for exhibition of nationalism in South Sudan
May 9, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir, has called on the citizens of the world’s youngest country to exhibit nationalism as a way to fight tribalism and regionalism, which has seen the country grappling to patch up divisions.
“Let our people judge us, not somebody from outside. The desire of these people and their governments (foreign governments) is to subordinate and control us so that they can exploit our resources,” President Kiir charged.
“When we are peaceful they come and say so and so are doing this and that and then incite some of us to fight their wars to exploit our resources and kill ourselves. This must stop. Our unity should overtake personal ambitions. We must exhibit nationalism and embrace peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The head of state justified appointment of high profile officials as his advisers, stressing they exhibited nationalism and allegedly stood with the government and people at stressful moments of the country.
Kiir was speaking on Monday at a meeting with prominent members of the Jieng (Dinka) Council of Elders (JCE) who are known for being anti-peace and behind many of the unilateral decisions made by the president, including the controversial 28 states.
The JCE members paid him a visit to congratulate him on the formation of unity government and the appointment of 10 advisers drawn from the three regions of the country.
President Kiir, according to republican order announced on the state owned South Sudan Television (SSTV), appointed three advisers from his home region of Bahr el Ghazal, three from Upper Nile and four from Equatoria region, totalling to 10 advisers.
The appointment surprised other partners in the new unity government, including the opposition SPLM-IO led by the first vice-president, Riek Machar, who was not consulted.
(ST)