South Sudan’s former education official regrets failing obligation
May 18, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese former deputy education minister and head of information at the secretariat of the governing Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-Juba) has called for forgiveness for failing to meet obligations to provide basic services to the people.
“To our martyrs, wounded heroes and heroines, the orphans and widows, forgive us for not fully meeting our obligations towards you. We are sorry. To our friends out there, the like-minded political parties thank you for the solidarity. SPLM will never betray you and the people of South Sudan,” said Bol Makueng in a statement marking the 33rd anniversary of the formation of the SPLM since 1983.
Makueng, according to the statement, urged the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), a military wing of the SPLM during the war of liberation, turned national army, to stay strong and be ready to defend the country.
“SPLA, be ready to step forward in response to the call of this great nation. Defend the recent peace agreement, democracy and sovereignty of our country. You will always go into the chapters of our history as liberators and saviours. Never sell your country and never betray your country. Never fear any consequences for defending South Sudan, for fear does not make us any safer but it only makes us weaker,” he added.
He did not however elaborate in which way he wanted the army to defend the peace agreement.
The party official explained that the struggle of the people of South Sudan for freedom was started by the forefathers and that the 1983 war was a continuation of past efforts to break away from Sudan.
“When our great grand-fathers fought the Turks, Arabs and British slavers and colonizers, which was the insurance of the future of our country today, we thank you for liberating our nation and ending the agony of ages. The dignity which South Sudan has today as a sovereign nation comes from you. We are proud of you. Thank you SPLA for always defending the sovereignty and democratic values and ideals of South Sudan,” said Makueng.
The former deputy minister of education was removed and not re-appointed when the transitional government of national unity was formed by partners in the August 2015 peace agreement signed between President Salva Kiir and his current First Deputy, Riek Machar.
(ST)