Payinjiar youth pledge to support first VP Machar
June 22, 2016 (JUBA) – Youth from the south of South Sudan’s Unity state have assured the country’s first vice president, Riek Machar of their unwavering support in the implementation of the peace deal signed in August 2015.
Several youth, living at the United Nations protection of civilian site in Juba, turned out at a thanks-giving ceremony organized to congratulate the armed opposition leader.
Ruot Changath, a representative of the youth, assured Machar of the community’s support for the peace process.
“We Payinjiar youths in Juba would like to welcome you and ask you to tackle the issue of economic crisis, which is at the height of the collapse of the country and deteriorating humanitarian grounds as well of making sure ceasefire remains on holds in all areas of South Sudan,” he said.
Changath described Machar as a “true liberator” who played a fundamental role in events that led to South Sudan’s secession from neighbouring Sudan in July 2011.
The youth leader urged armed opposition leader to work alongside South Sudanese other tribes on issues of peace and promote love and unity among the citizens.
He also congratulated Machar for appointing James Mabor Gatkuoth Nyak as a lawmaker in the transitional national assembly and promoting nine other generals to high ranks.
Payinjiar was one of the rebel strongholds during the conflict with government, which was ended through a peace deal.
RETAIN UNITY STATE GOVERNOR
Meanwhile, the youth have urged the vice president to maintain Robert Ruai Kuol Jal as the governor of Unity State during the transitional national unity government period.
“Your Excellency, on behalf of Payinjiar youths, we are officially endorsing Hon. Robert Ruai Kuol Jal as unity state governor for the period of transitional government until upcoming elections are conducted in 2018 in our beloved state and country,” partly reads the youth’s petition letter.
They described Jal as a hardworking and committed person.
“We believe he is the right and competent choice for all of us in the state,” further stressed the petition sent to Machar.
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